Golden State remains in a holding pattern entering the countdown to training camp, with nine guaranteed contracts on the books and a knot tied to Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. The Warriors can’t lock in spending until Kuminga’s deal lands, leaving cap calculations and roster-building on pause as they navigate cap/tax dynamics and the luxury-tax thresholds.

Al Horford is expected to sign with Golden State, likely via the taxpayer midlevel exception (about 5.7 million) or a two-year arrangement with a player option. His addition would push the team to 10 guaranteed contracts and intensify the need to fill at least four more minimum deals. The linked names—Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, De’Anthony Melton, and Malcolm Brogdon—could populate the minimum slots and diversify the rotation once Kuminga’s situation is resolved.

Whether Kuminga signs the two-year, $45 million offer or accepts the $7.8 million qualifying offer will swing how much room the Warriors have under the second apron of the luxury tax. A landing with Horford under the taxpayer midlevel hinges on that outcome, and the rest of the roster would hinge on those cap decisions. Training camp approaches at the end of September, and the holding pattern should break soon, reshaping both the rotation and fantasy upside for Warriors players.

Golden State’s summer hinges on Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. With Kuminga’s decision still pending, the Warriors have slowed their pursuit of veteran help as Kerr and the front office weigh paths like sign-and-trade, a fresh extension, or accepting a $7.9M qualifying offer. That standoff leaves an otherwise thin roster room to fill and keeps both cap planning and development timelines in flux.

In NBA Today chatter, Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, Seth Curry, and Gary Payton II were floated as viable fits, with Will Richard noted as a developmental piece. If Kuminga’s status resolves quickly, Golden State could pivot to stabilize the rotation with Horford at center, Melton and Curry providing two-way guard/wing depth, and GP2 delivering energy and defense. Richard could earn a camp invite or a late roster spot as a long-term project.

The saga shapes the Warriors’ approach to balance youth with veteran know-how, aiming to stay competitive while preserving flexibility for future iterations of the title-contending core.

The Golden State Warriors are in a precarious position as they navigate the offseason, primarily affected by the Jonathan Kuminga situation. Until they reach an agreement regarding Kuminga, the Warriors are hampered in pursuing their desired free agents. Reports indicate the team is likely to finalize verbal agreements with Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, all pivotal additions that hinge on resolving the Kuminga matter to ensure their spending flexibility.

Horford stands out as a significant prospect for the Warriors, supplanting Kevon Looney, who has departed to the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite being in his late 30s, Horford remains a formidable stretch five, contributing an average of 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds while showcasing consistent three-point shooting abilities. His presence could significantly enhance the Warriors' long-range offensive strategy, particularly in pick-and-pop scenarios alongside Quentin Post. Forward-thinking moves are essential for the Warriors to secure Horford and maintain their competitive edge in the West.

The Los Angeles Lakers are making significant moves this offseason, strengthening their frontcourt by signing Deandre Ayton and bringing in Jake LaRavia to replace Dorian Finney-Smith, who joined the Houston Rockets. The team is not finished yet, as they are eyeing free agents with championship experience, including Gary Payton II, who previously played with the Golden State Warriors.

With LeBron James as the sole champion on the roster, the Lakers are bolstering their squad with players who have NBA Finals experience, such as Ayton, Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent. This strategic approach aims to recreate the success they had when they added Rajon Rondo during their title run in 2019.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have had a relatively quiet offseason after winning their first championship since relocating. The focus has been on securing their star trio: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, whom they signed to max contract extensions worth a combined $822 million. While the Thunder haven't made significant moves in free agency, they are contemplating additions to bolster their roster further.

Among potential targets are Russell Westbrook, a beloved former MVP, whose return could add a compelling narrative, though his role might be limited behind Shai. Additionally, Ben Simmons, known for his defensive skills, could fit well into Oklahoma City's system, while Gary Payton II offers both defensive capabilities and shooting as another potential guard off the bench. Despite the interest in these players, the Thunder are likely to maintain their current squad as they aim for back-to-back championships.