The Golden State Warriors are arguably the most enigmatic team of this NBA offseason, largely due to their lack of roster activity. One of the most talked-about potential additions in the Bay Area has been veteran big man Al Horford, but one unresolved situation appears to be holding things up.
According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the Warriors reportedly have verbal agreements in place with free agents Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. These additions would help stabilize the roster and provide much-needed depth heading into the new season.
However, none of these deals can become official until the situation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga is resolved. Golden State’s spending flexibility remains restricted by the NBA’s hard cap rules, particularly the first and second apron triggers, which limit movement unless cap space is cleared.
Gary Payton II recently offered insight into why neither he nor Horford have officially joined the Warriors during the preseason. According to the guard, everything is on hold due to Kuminga’s status, which continues to affect the team’s decision-making process.
In a conversation with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, NBA insider Marc J. Spears noted that the Warriors currently have only nine players under contract. Spears recalled a recent exchange with Payton, saying, “I ran into Gary Payton II two days ago and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ He said, ‘Waiting on JK (Jonathan Kuminga). Horford is. Everybody is.’”
The topic came up on Thursday’s edition of NBA Today on ESPN, where Andrews was joined by Kendrick Perkins, Marc J. Spears, Shams Charania, and Anthony Slater. The panel discussed the contract complications involving Kuminga and how they’re impacting Golden State’s offseason strategy.
Kuminga is a restricted free agent and remains at the center of multiple trade talks. Several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, have shown interest in acquiring him. However, the Warriors have yet to receive an offer they find acceptable.