The Golden State Warriors’ 2025 offseason has been anything but straightforward, with the franchise’s usual flurry of summer moves replaced by a tense waiting game centered around restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and a potential blockbuster addition in veteran center Al Horford. As August winds down, the Warriors’ front office, coaching staff, and fanbase are all holding their breath, eager to see whether these chess pieces will finally fall into place—and what it might mean for the team’s championship hopes.
Coming off a season that didn’t quite live up to the franchise’s high standards, the Warriors entered this offseason with a clear mandate: retool the roster around their star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green to make another deep playoff run. Yet, as of August 28, 2025, Golden State has failed to make any major additions outside of the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. The main culprit? An unresolved contract standoff with Kuminga that has thrown the team’s free agency plans into disarray.
According to multiple sources, including ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Kuminga situation has had a domino effect, preventing the Warriors from finalizing deals with several targeted free agents. “Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and others have been unable to sign their contracts for financial reasons, as Kuminga’s stalemate must be solved before any other deals can officially be signed. All of their remaining signings are expected to be minimum contracts except for Horford, who is expected to sign a two-year deal with a player option, sources said,” Siegel wrote.
Horford, who turned 39 in June and is fresh off a productive campaign with the Boston Celtics, is widely expected to join the Warriors once the Kuminga logjam is cleared. The two-year deal reportedly includes a player option after the first season, providing flexibility should Horford opt to retire or reassess his future after another year in the league. Despite contemplating retirement, Horford is said to be leaning toward suiting up for his 19th NBA season, which would make him the fifth-oldest player in the league—trailing only LeBron James, Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Garrett Temple.
For the Warriors, Horford represents more than just a stopgap at center. The Dominican veteran averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.7 minutes per game last season, shooting an efficient .423 from the field, .363 from deep on 5.2 attempts per game, and a stellar .895 from the free throw line. His impact was felt even more during the playoffs, where he contributed 8.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in over 31 minutes per contest across 11 games. But numbers only tell part of the story.
Horford’s value lies in his versatility and basketball IQ. He remains a strong presence on both ends of the floor, capable of anchoring a defense as the lone big man or complementing another frontcourt player. His three-point shooting ability is especially prized in Golden State’s system, where spacing and floor balance are at a premium. For years, Curry and Green have terrorized defenses with their pick-and-roll chemistry, but the addition of Horford adds a new wrinkle—a big man who can pop out to the arc and punish defenders for collapsing on Curry.
“What Curry has commonly gone without is a power forward or center who is a reliable three-point threat,” noted ClutchPoints. “Like Green, Horford is a responsible decision-maker with the ball in his hands. However, defenses will soon have to deal with the greatest shooter of all time and a screener who can make them pay from behind the arc.”
The leadership Horford brings may be just as valuable as his on-court skills. A five-time All-Star and NBA champion, he’s known as a consummate professional and mentor—qualities that could pay dividends for Golden State’s younger bigs, including second-year center Quinten Post. Observers in Boston have repeatedly praised Horford’s daily approach to the game, with one insider calling him “a model example to follow.” That legacy could soon extend to the Bay Area.
Of course, none of these moves can be made official until the Warriors and Kuminga reach an agreement. The 22-year-old forward, who’s shown flashes of star potential, is reportedly seeking a fresh start and a more lucrative deal. Golden State has put a two-year, $45 million proposal on the table, but Kuminga could also accept a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. There’s speculation that the team might tweak their offer to ease tensions, but most league insiders believe Kuminga is likely to return—at least for one more season. His return would maintain the Warriors’ depth and provide the financial clarity needed to finalize Horford’s contract and other minimum deals.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have been left in limbo, awaiting Horford’s decision. The center position is a particular area of concern for Boston, and should Horford depart, the team may pursue a replacement before the season tips off. With the Eastern Conference wide open, the Celtics’ front office is under pressure to ensure the roster remains competitive. Boston fans, for their part, have expressed gratitude for Horford’s years of service and leadership, even as they brace for a new era in the frontcourt.
As for the Warriors, the prospect of adding Horford to a core of Curry, Butler, and Green has injected a jolt of optimism into a fanbase hungry for another title. The move would fill a longstanding hole at center, giving Golden State a rare blend of shooting, defense, and experience at the position. And with Horford’s player option, the team maintains flexibility for the future—whether he decides to play into his 40s or hang up his sneakers after one final campaign.
For now, all eyes remain on the Kuminga negotiations. Once that domino falls, the Warriors are poised to make a splash, officially welcoming Horford and potentially rounding out their roster with additional veteran signings. It’s a delicate dance, but one that could set the stage for a memorable 2025-26 season in the Bay.
With the NBA offseason clock ticking down, the Warriors’ front office faces mounting pressure to resolve their contractual gridlock and solidify a roster capable of contending for another championship. Whether this new-look squad can recapture the magic of past dynasties remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—the next few weeks promise plenty of intrigue and no shortage of headlines in Golden State.
