Warriors signal a veteran push after resolving Jonathan Kuminga's status, aiming to bring Gary Payton II back to the Bay and complement a core built around Kerr's defense.

Linked names abound—Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton and Seth Curry among them—while Payton II's efficiency (6.5 PPG on 57.4% FG in 62 games) underscores his fit as a guard/defender duo with Draymond Green. Kuminga's fate will largely dictate how aggressively Golden State pursues the mid-slots.

With Green anchoring the defense and Kuminga developing, the Warriors appear to weigh cap space against depth, prioritizing a plan that preserves their long-term window while shoring up the bench for a West run.