Warriors Reportedly Eye Al Horford, More Free Agents Among Kuminga Contract Talks

Veteran forward Al Horford remains a "target" for the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater and Shams Charania.

Slater and Charania reported Golden State intends to use its taxpayer midlevel to fill out the roster, with guards De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and Seth Curry possible options well. "It's why [Stephen Curry], [Jimmy Butler] and [Draymond Green] are not agitating behind the scenes. They know the strategy, sources said, and have approved that anticipated result," reported Slater and Charania.

Signing one of those players would have implications for Jonathan Kuminga's ongoing restricted free agency, though.

"But the tentative plan hard caps them at the second apron and means $22.5 million is the most they could give Kuminga next season while holding 15 rostered players, a figure that has so far proven too low for Kuminga to accept in a multiyear deal attached to a team option," the report said.

Horford averaged nine points, 6.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 60 appearances for the Boston Celtics last year. He also shot 36.3 percent from beyond the arc, which is a little below his career average (37.7) but still not bad for a stretch big.

Even as he gets deeper into his 30s, the 6'9" center remained an effective frontcourt option for a team with championship aspirations.

Slater reported in August that "those around the league continue to ticket Horford to the Warriors when the free agency dust ultimately settles" despite the fact Kuminga's standoff was precluding a final agreement.

"But Horford is comfortable waiting," Slater wrote. "Retirement remains on the table, sources said, though the Warriors appear to be operating as if he is a firm part of their plan next season."

Payton would bring a lot of continuity to the backcourt after having spent five seasons on the Warriors across two spells. He has averaged 6.2 points on 59.2 percent shooting along with 1.1 assists per game with the team.

Melton signed with Golden State last summer on the midlevel exception, but suffered a partially torn ACL that ended his 2024-25 season after six appearances. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. clearly likes what he can bring to the table as a shooter (36.9 percent on threes) and perimeter defender.

Curry is a proven sharpshooter who hit a career-best 45.6 percent of his threes last year. Considering he has suited up for nine different teams, it's a little surprising he has yet to play alongside brother Stephen in the NBA.

More than anything, Slater and Charania's report points to how re-signing Kuminga may not be a superseding priority for Dunleavy. As much as the Warriors may want the young forward back, the front office could still pursue smaller moves that improve the supporting cast.