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.

LeBron James remains the focal point as Lakers-Warriors trade chatter swirls. Golden State reportedly chased LeBron three times, yet the Lakers won’t entertain packages that include Kuminga or Jimmy Butler. The rumors hint at a Warriors PR push while Kuminga’s contract stalemate lingers. Curry’s bond with LeBron adds drama and fantasy relevance, even as the odds of a deal staying slim keep expectations tempered.

For fantasy managers, the saga signals stability for now but ongoing volatility around Kuminga’s role and Lakers’ surrounding pieces. LeBron’s usage, AD’s ceiling, and the supporting cast (Hachimura, Reaves) will drive value in campus-wide leagues, with Curry’s aura keeping Warrior assets on radar despite the noise.

Jonathan Kuminga sits at the heart of Golden State's offseason tug-of-war, as a restricted free agent pushing for big money while the Warriors weigh sign-and-trade routes with Suns or Kings. Brooklyn's cap space casts a wider net, but Golden State appears intent on building around Kuminga's dynamic upside rather than surrendering him for cap relief. The saga shapes not just Kuminga's future, but the Warriors' path to another title window.

Kuminga's ceiling remains tantalizing, even as his motor and jumper fluctuate. With training camp looming and a shallow nine-man standard roster, the Warriors' moves (or lack thereof) will determine his role and fantasy value next season, whether he stays in the Bay or lands elsewhere in a high-stakes swap.