As the Golden State Warriors continue their standoff with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga late into August, the team remains highly confident about securing veteran center Al Horford, according to Jake Fischer during his recent Bleacher Report live stream. The Warriors are navigating a complex free agency period that heavily involves financial considerations linked to Kuminga’s contract status while planning to add Horford to their roster.
Veteran Free Agents Willing to Wait on Kuminga Resolution
According to Fischer, Horford is among several experienced players patiently awaiting the outcome of the Kuminga situation before finalizing their deals. The Warriors have maintained open communication with these free agents throughout this period. Other seasoned veterans like De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, and Malcolm Brogdon are also in discussions with Golden State, although they would likely join on minimum-salary contracts. Horford, by contrast, is expected to command a more substantial offer.
Financial Details and Contract Structure Under Discussion
“Al Horford’s situation is a bit different,”
Fischer explained.
“Because, depending on where the Warriors land in a cap/tax situation, I believe he is slated to make upwards of the full taxpayer mid-level exception. There has also been some discussion about whether or not he could potentially be receiving a two-year deal with a player option as well.”
This indicates Horford could receive a contract more lucrative than other veteran signings and could remain with the club for multiple seasons.
Significant Role Anticipated for Horford in Team Lineup
The Warriors envision Horford playing a critical role in their lineup, aligning with prior reports from ESPN’s Anthony Slater that the 40-year-old center is likely to start for the team. Horford’s addition would fill a central need in Golden State’s rotation as they prepare for the upcoming season, especially with uncertainties surrounding Kuminga’s status.
Cap Challenges Linked to Using the Mid-Level Exception
If the Warriors use any part of the mid-level exception to sign Horford, they would face a hard cap at the second tax apron threshold. This financial limit could risk Golden State losing Kuminga, as other teams might create cap space to offer Kuminga a deal that the Warriors could not match in a restricted free agency offer sheet scenario. Consequently, the franchise has postponed most other offseason moves until Kuminga is either re-signed or traded, clarifying their salary cap situation.
Potential Salary Figures Based on Kuminga’s Decision
The Warriors’ available salary space largely depends on Kuminga’s next contract. If Kuminga accepts the rumored two-year, $45 million offer, Golden State would stand about $14.9 million below the second tax apron with 10 players under contract. This would allow them to offer Horford the full taxpayer mid-level exception, approximately $5.7 million, while filling remaining roster spots with minimum salary deals. Alternatively, if Kuminga opts for his $7.98 million qualifying offer, the Warriors would have roughly $17 million before hitting the first tax apron but might need to avoid exceeding the mid-level exception due to a hard cap restriction.
Extended Timeline Expected for Kuminga’s Free Agency Outcome
Fischer cautioned that Kuminga’s free agency could remain unresolved into September, as the deadline to accept his qualifying offer is not until October 1. This ongoing uncertainty complicates the Warriors’ roster plans and salary cap management as they work to finalize offseason acquisitions, including the critical signing of Al Horford, ensuring roster depth and veteran experience for the new NBA season.