Warriors Weigh Bold Offseason Moves: Reunion with Two‑Way Guard, Horford Addition, and Kuminga Decision Loom
As the NBA offseason heats up, the Golden State Warriors are at a decisive juncture. Balancing championship aspirations with cap constraints, the team is exploring a “three‑pronged” approach: a potential reunion with a familiar two‑way guard, the acquisition of veteran big man Al Horford, and clarity on their young restricted free agent, Jonathan Kuminga. Here’s how each piece fits into Golden State’s evolving puzzle.
1. Reunion with a Two‑Way Guard?
Rumors are swirling about the Warriors potentially bringing back a familiar face—a guard who once flourished on a two‑way contract with the team. While details remain murky, reports suggest Steve Kerr’s staff values his G-League familiarity and defensive acumen.
Although no name has been confirmed publicly, league insiders indicate this move would provide valuable backcourt depth without blowing the budget. This aligns with Golden State’s recent history of finding low-cost, high-impact two-way talent—a development pipeline they deeply value.
2. Al Horford: Veteran Center in the Mix
In free agency, Al Horford has emerged as a high-priority target. The 39‑year‑old, fresh off a productive season with the Celtics, is now likely to depart Boston (sfgate.com, sbnation.com). With league sources identifying Horford as a “preferred target” for Golden State (sfgate.com), the Warriors are preparing to use their $5.7 million taxpayer mid‑level exception to add this veteran presence (nbcsportsbayarea.com).
Horford’s versatility—floor spacing, defensive IQ, rebounding—would nicely complement Steph Curry and Draymond Green, while providing mentorship to emerging frontcourt talent like Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson‑Davis (sfgate.com). That he averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season underscores his court value (nypost.com). The only hurdle: cap cap hold tied to Kuminga’s situation, meaning that any Horford signing hinges on salary-room maneuvering (nbcsportsbayarea.com).
3. Jonathan Kuminga: Retain, Trade, or Sign-and-Trade?
Kuminga’s future is arguably the most critical storyline. As a restricted free agent, he carries a $22.9 million cap hold with only a $7.9 million qualifying offer extended (nbcsportsbayarea.com). The Warriors can match any offer sheet but are also considering sign-and-trade possibilities (sfchronicle.com).
What Kuminga wants: On record, he’s expressed a desire to be a featured option, whether in Golden State or elsewhere:
“It don’t matter if it’s the Warriors or anywhere else… I want to see what I could do. I know I got it.” (si.com)
He’s also shown eagerness to understand the business side of his career, saying he wants to “know more about how this trade stuff goes” (clutchpoints.com).
Warriors’ stance: Front office sources, including HoopsHype, say the team is reluctant to trade him unless the return is substantial . Indeed, they retain preference to match any deal. The Athletic notes a Sacramento Kings sign-and-trade has been discussed—but Golden State “balked” at initial offers (nbcsportsbayarea.com). With Sacramento remaining the strongest suitor (nbcsportsbayarea.com), the outcome could shape Golden State’s entire offseason strategy.
4. Synthesis: How the Moves Interact
The three moves are deeply interconnected:
- Signing Horford requires freeing cap space, making Kuminga’s status pivotal.
- Re-signing Kuminga would clog payroll and potentially hinder any major free‑agent signing.
- Trading Kuminga opens salary flexibility for Horford and clears roster spots for developmental talent.
- Reuniting with the two‑way guard is financially feasible only if the cap isn’t overburdened by larger contracts.
League sources underscore this balancing act: Golden State “methodically evaluating” each piece with budgeting front and center (nbcbayarea.com, sfchronicle.com, sportskeeda.com).
5. What’s Next — The Likely Paths
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Retain Kuminga & sign Horford | May require cutting other depth pieces; retains two-way guard flexibility. |
| Trade Kuminga, sign Horford | Opens full MLE space + potential future pick; adds veteran presence. |
| Retain Kuminga, skip Horford | Prioritizes youth; fills roles via minimum contracts. |
| Trade Kuminga, skip Horford | Focuses on eventual big-name targets or early-season trades; revenue safety. |
Final Word
The Warriors are walking a tightrope: a non-zero-sum puzzle in which each decision impacts the other two. Golden State’s front office must weigh immediate playoff readiness—with Horford’s presence—against preserving future flexibility by keeping a high-upside young talent in Kuminga. Add in the potential return of a familiar two‑way guard to stabilize depth at low cost, and each piece becomes an essential cog in a delicate machine.
Whatever path they choose, it’s clear the next few weeks will define their championship window—or be a start of a pivot toward retooling. One thing remains unchanged: Steve Kerr and Co. will aim to keep Curry’s core competitive while building toward the future.
As the rumors heat up, keep an eye on cap room developments, Kuminga’s decision timeline, and whether Horford signs or the two‑way guard returns. Ultimately, the Warriors’ offseason may become a defining moment for the next several seasons.
