Golden State Warriors Off-Season Update
As the off-season progresses, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a rather stagnant position regarding their roster for the upcoming NBA season. Currently, the team has secured nine guaranteed contracts, while many of their league counterparts are actively filling their rosters with training camp players.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Restricted Free Agency
A significant factor contributing to this delay is the unresolved situation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. Until the Warriors solidify their financial commitments with Kuminga, their ability to make further moves remains uncertain.
Pursuit of Al Horford
This scenario directly affects the Warriors’ pursuit of veteran free agent Al Horford, who is anticipated to join the team on a deal worth at least the taxpayer midlevel exception, approximately $5.7 million. NBA insider Jake Fischer recently highlighted this situation in a discussion for Bleacher Report, indicating that the Warriors are optimistic about reaching an agreement with Horford.
Fischer elaborated that Horford’s contract may vary depending on the Warriors’ salary cap and tax standing, suggesting a potential two-year deal that could include a player option for the future.
Should Horford finalize his agreement, the Warriors would then have ten guaranteed contracts, requiring them to fill at least four more spots, likely with minimum deals. Names mentioned in conjunction with the Warriors include familiar faces like Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, De’Anthony Melton, and Malcolm Brogdon, reflecting a mix of experience and skill.
Future Implications
The resolution of the Kuminga situation is anticipated to extend into next month, just ahead of the training camp’s commencement at the end of September. If the Warriors can negotiate a compromise on the two-year, $45 million offer currently on the table for Kuminga, they will likely maintain enough financial flexibility to effectively incorporate Horford and other potential signings without exceeding the second apron of the luxury tax limit.
Conversely, if Kuminga opts for the qualifying offer worth $7.8 million, he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, granting the Warriors greater latitude in their roster decisions.
For the time being, the Warriors’ roster adjustments and free agency strategies hinge on the outcome of Kuminga’s situation, leaving them in a state of anticipation.
