The Golden State Warriors had a very uncommon offseason. The Free Agency period started on June 30, but the Golden State Warriors were idle. They weren’t idle for days, weeks, or even a month — but three of them. Heading into media day— the unofficial start to the new season— the Warriors had only nine players on their active roster.
The Jonathan Kuminga Saga
The Warriors were handicapped due to the restriction free agency process involving their 2021 lottery pick, Jonathan Kuminga. Why did that affect the rest of the Warriors’ free agency process? It was due in large part to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The CBA penalizes second-apron teams with restrictions on future draft picks, limitations on the Mid-Level Exception, and an exponential increase in the luxury tax rate. The Warriors did not want to risk reaching that second apron, so they decided to be patient during the Kuminga negotiations before signing other free agents.
Kuminga, represented by his agent, Aaron Turner, wanted more control over their next contract, specifically demanding a player option within his contract. The Warriors, though, didn’t budge— since they wanted control over Kuminga’s future, leading them to offer a team option.
Finally, the long-awaited Kuminga saga ended. On Sept. 30, Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract, with a team option in the second year.
Hollering at Horford
After the Kuminga deal was officially announced, the Warriors were able to finally put pen to paper on their verbal agreements from earlier in the offseason. The most notable free agent the Warriors acquired was NBA Champion and five-time All-Star Al Horford. Horford signed a two-year, $11.7 million contract with the taxpayer mid-level exception.
Horford, despite being 39 years old, is coming off a very strong season for the Celtics, averaging 9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The Warriors struggled with perimeter shooting and size last season— both areas that Al Horford helps address.
Horford’s defensive versatility, being able to switch on the perimeter, and play effective drop coverage, gives the Warriors another reliable anchor alongside Draymond Green. Horford’s ability to stretch the court helps unlock certain lineups and opens driving lanes for Jimmy Butler and Kuminga to attack.
Playing in Steve Kerr’s read-and-react motion offense requires a high basketball IQ, which is something Al Horford clearly possesses. Kerr’s system thrives with passing bigs, à la Andrew Bogut, which is a role that Al Horford is well-equipped to fill. This play is an example of how Horford’s passing ability can help this offense thrive.
Melton Returns From Quick Stop in Brooklyn
De’Anthony Melton signed a one-year $12.8 million deal with the Warriors last offseason. Through six games last season, Melton averaged 10.3 points and shot 37.1% from three on 5.8 attempts per game. Melton was a seamless fit for the Warriors on both ends of the floor, displaying high basketball IQ and strong point of attack defense.
Melton’s season was cut short due to a torn ACL, and he was shipped for Dennis Schröder. Now in the final stages of his ACL rehab, Melton has re-signed with the Warriors on a veteran minimum deal. Melton said he enjoyed his time in Golden State and praised the team’s medical staff, which were key reasons behind his decision to return.
Gary Payton II Extends His Stay
Gary Payton II has returned to the Warriors for his sixth season on a one-year veteran minimum contract. GPII averaged 6.5 points, 3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 steals in 62 contests.
GPII is still a good point of attack defender who understands how to play the Warriors’ brand of basketball. Payton II flourishes when paired with Stephen Curry on the court.
He had a plus/minus of +82 with Curry last season and is a +352 with Curry throughout his entire career. Payton II recognizes where Curry is on the court at all times and can play off Curry’s gravity, leading to a lot of uncontested attempts
While not as effective as he once was in the 2021-2022 season, GPII is still a reliable bench option that Kerr can substitute to provide solid spot minutes.
The Currys Finally Join Forces
What’s better than one Curry? Two. Seth Curry is finally a Warrior. Curry signed a one-year veteran minimum deal. However, the Warriors intend to release and re-sign him on Nov. 15 due to salary cap purposes.
Curry actually started his career as a part of the D-League Santa Cruz Warriors, but never made the active roster. Curry has since then bounced around the NBA playing for eight other professional teams.
Shooting runs in the Curry family, and Seth is no exception. Curry is ranked seventh in the NBA in all-time 3-point percentage at 43.3%, most notably trailing coach Kerr at the top spot. Curry’s familiarity with the system, combined with his elite shooting ability, should make for a fluid transition.
The Warriors had to take a long and methodical approach to the offseason, but their patience paid off. Golden State looks to build on last season’s momentum, a 23–7 record with Butler in the lineup, with the help of its new additions.
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