The Golden State Warriors remain in a holding pattern this offseason as they navigate contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, which has slowed the rest of their offseason decisions.
The Warriors are likely to sign NBA champion Al Horford, who is unlikely to return to the Boston Celtics amid a retooling phase. The five-time All-Star is nearing the end of his career and will look to win his second championship in what could be his final year.
While Golden State is viewed as Horford’s most likely landing spot, the real question is how much financial flexibility will the team have after resolving the Kuminga situation.
What would a realistic offer from Golden State look like?
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report projects that the Warriors will offer Horford a two-year, $11.7 million deal, which would include a player option for the 2026-27 campaign. Still, he notes that the amount could vary based on the outcome of Kuminga’s deal.
“Depending on how the JK soap opera plays out, the Warriors could need to change up their offer,” Favale wrote. “If Kuminga proves to be ultra-expensive, it might leave them with only the veteran’s minimum to dangle. If he leaves or gets moved in a sign-and-trade, they could technically access the entire non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Count on the middle ground winning out again, and the 39-year-old joining Golden State for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception.”
If the Warriors reach an agreement with Kuminga, they’d likely fall between the first and second aprons, giving them access to the taxpayer mid-level exception.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors have reportedly offered the promising young forward a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option in the second season. Kuminga, however, is pushing for a more lucrative deal, though he may settle if the contract includes a player option, which would allow him to enter unrestricted free agency next summer.
A sign-and-trade could still be on the table for Kuminga, but the longer the Warriors wait to finalize a deal, the longer Horford has to wait to sign.
