The Golden State Warriors’ months-long offseason stalemate finally reached its resolution in dramatic fashion over the past couple weeks, as the franchise executed a series of crucial moves that completely reshaped their roster heading into training camp. What started as a frustrating summer of uncertainty transformed into a flurry of activity that has the Warriors positioned for another championship run.
The domino that started it all was Jonathan Kuminga’s contract extension. After holding out through media day and missing the first day of training camp, the 22-year-old forward finally agreed to terms on a two-year, $48.5 million deal with the Warriors on September 30th. The agreement ended what had become an increasingly contentious negotiation, with Kuminga reportedly seeking upwards of $30 million annually while the Warriors remained firm on their position.
What makes this contract particularly interesting is its structure — the deal includes a team option designed to be ripped up and renegotiated next summer, giving both sides flexibility to reassess their relationship. Essentially, this becomes a prove-it year for both Kuminga and the Warriors, with trade possibilities looming if things don’t work out.
With Kuminga’s situation resolved, the Warriors immediately pivoted to address their other roster needs. The biggest splash came with the signing of Al Horford, the 39-year-old veteran center who left the champion Boston Celtics to join Golden State. Horford’s addition fills a massive void in the Warriors’ frontcourt, providing the team with a proven big man who shot over 40% from three-point range in each of the past three seasons while contributing championship-level defense and leadership.
The decision wasn’t easy for Horford, who had spent seven of the past nine years in Boston and helped deliver the 2024 championship. But the opportunity to compete for another title alongside Stephen Curry proved too tempting. Horford signed a two-year deal worth approximately $12 million, bringing nearly two decades of NBA experience to a Warriors team that desperately needed frontcourt depth.
De’Anthony Melton’s return represents one of the more fascinating storylines of this roster shuffle. After being traded away by Golden State last season following his ACL injury just six games into his Warriors tenure, Melton harbored no ill will toward the organization. In fact, he was refreshingly honest about the situation, telling reporters, Business is business. I mean, I probably would have traded myself too, especially given the way the season was at the time.
Melton’s two-year minimum contract includes a player option for the second season, giving him another chance to prove his worth after averaging 10.3 points in his brief but promising Warriors debut. While he’s expected to miss the start of the regular season as he continues recovering from his ACL injury, his defensive prowess and three-point shooting should make him a valuable rotation piece once healthy.
The Warriors also brought back Gary Payton II, re-signing the defensive specialist who has become a fan favorite during his multiple stints with the organization. Payton’s tenacious perimeter defense and timely offensive contributions make him an ideal complement to the Warriors’ aging core.
Additionally, Golden State added Seth Curry on what’s reportedly a non-guaranteed deal, providing veteran shooting depth. The expectation is that Curry may be waived before the season starts and potentially brought back later when the Warriors have more salary cap flexibility.
The timing of these moves was crucial with the preseason starting as it finally game the Warriors a complete roster after months of uncertainty. Head coach Steve Kerr has already begun experimenting with lineup combinations, particularly intrigued by the potential pairing of Horford and Kuminga in the frontcourt.
This roster construction represents a clear championship-or-bust mentality from the Warriors’ front office. The projected starting lineup could feature Stephen Curry (37), Buddy Hield (32), Andrew Wiggins (29), Draymond Green (35), and Al Horford (39), potentially making them one of the oldest starting fives in NBA history.
The financial implications are significant as well. These signings push the Warriors closer to the second luxury tax apron, limiting their flexibility throughout the season. But with Curry’s championship window narrowing, the organization appears willing to spend whatever it takes for one more title run.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how quickly everything came together once Kuminga’s situation was resolved. The Warriors had been stuck in neutral all summer, unable to finalize deals with their veteran targets due to salary cap uncertainty. Once that roadblock was cleared, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. executed a masterful sequence of moves that addressed nearly every roster need.
The integration of these new pieces will be fascinating to watch. Horford brings championship pedigree and floor spacing that should complement the Warriors’ motion offense perfectly. Melton, when healthy, provides the two-way guard play that has been missing since Klay Thompson’s prime years. Payton II offers defensive versatility and energy off the bench.
For Kuminga, this season becomes absolutely critical. Playing on essentially a one-year prove-it deal with trade rumors swirling, he needs to show consistent growth in Steve Kerr’s system. The pairing with Horford could unlock new dimensions in his game, with the veteran big man’s floor spacing creating driving lanes that Kuminga can exploit.
Here’s the thing, folks: With preseason games getting under way this weekend the Warriors have transformed from a team with significant question marks into a legitimate championship contender. The veteran additions address their most glaring weaknesses while maintaining the core that has delivered four titles in the past decade. Whether this group can stay healthy and gel quickly enough for another playoff run remains to be seen, but there’s no questioning the ambition behind these moves.
With that… The next few weeks will reveal whether this whirlwind roster transformation translates into on-court success, but one thing is certain – the Warriors have positioned themselves for one final championship push with their aging core. In typical Golden State fashion, they’ve managed to create excitement and intrigue heading into what could be a defining season for the franchise.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!