The Golden State Warriors appear to be gearing up for a critical offseason reshuffle, and reports now suggest that the front office has already made some quiet but pivotal moves.
According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the Warriors have secured verbal commitments from three impactful free agents: Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. However, these deals remain in limbo as the team’s salary cap situation is directly tied to the unresolved status of Jonathan Kuminga.
The Warriors are navigating delicate financial terrain, particularly with the NBA’s strict luxury tax thresholds and the recently implemented second apron regulations.
These rules drastically limit roster-building options for high-spending teams, and Golden State must be careful about triggering hard cap restrictions. That’s why, despite the reported verbal agreements, none of these signings will be made official until the Kuminga situation is clarified.
Kuminga has become the center of Golden State’s offseason drama. Once seen as a foundational piece for the post-Steph era, he now finds himself at the heart of multiple trade rumors.
The Sacramento Kings reportedly offered a package including Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick, along with a $63 million extension for Kuminga. The Suns, meanwhile, have also made an aggressive push to acquire the 21-year-old forward, and recent reports suggest that Kuminga is open to landing in either Sacramento or Phoenix.
However, in a sudden change of heart, the Warriors have reportedly shut down sign-and-trade discussions involving Kuminga. Despite the rejection of a contract offer and the growing interest from rival teams, Golden State now seems intent on working toward a long-term solution that keeps Kuminga in the Bay Area.
If that reconciliation proves successful, the Warriors may need to make additional financial moves to fit Horford, Melton, and Payton II under the hard cap.
Each of the three reported signings addresses a different need. Al Horford, despite his age, remains one of the smartest and most versatile big men in the game, offering floor spacing, leadership, and high-IQ defense.
De’Anthony Melton brings elite perimeter defense and shooting, two skills that the Warriors have lacked off the bench in recent seasons. And Gary Payton II, a familiar face and a fan favorite, provides defensive energy and transition speed, potentially reviving the identity that helped them win the 2022 championship.
Still, all these acquisitions hinge on how the Kuminga saga ends. If the Warriors keep him, they’ll need to get creative with salary cap maneuvering. If they move him, they’ll gain flexibility but risk losing a budding star who just averaged 16.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last season.
Golden State is clearly trying to walk the tightrope between chasing one last title with its aging core and preparing for a younger, more sustainable future. Whether they can pull it off depends on how they resolve the Kuminga dilemma, and how fast they can make these verbal agreements official.
