Free-Agent Update: Warriors’ Talks With Kuminga Still Stalled; Horford, Westbrook, Grimes Also in Focus
free-agent-update-warriors-talks-with-kuminga-still-stalled-horford-westbrook-grimes
August 11, 2025 — 12:07 pm CT
Negotiations between restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors remain at a stand-still, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. The 22-year-old forward is back at his offseason base in Miami after visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is still dissatisfied with the club’s two-year, $45 million proposal. The offer includes a team option for the second season and a request to waive his implicit no-trade clause, leaving no guaranteed money beyond year one.
Sources told ESPN that Kuminga is seeking a contract that secures a long-term role, either in San Francisco or elsewhere. His representatives reportedly suggested a three-year, $82 million deal that the Warriors rejected. Kuminga has indicated privately that signing his one-year, $8 million qualifying offer—making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026—might be more appealing than accepting Golden State’s “one-plus-one” arrangement.
Warriors Counting on Horford
Despite the unresolved Kuminga situation and some contemplation of retirement by Al Horford, the Warriors are planning for the 39-year-old to open next season as their starting center, Slater adds. The team hopes Horford’s presence will reduce Draymond Green’s workload, though his own minutes would be managed carefully.
Kings Viewed as Front-Runners for Westbrook
League insiders consider the Sacramento Kings the most probable destination for free agent guard Russell Westbrook, reports ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Earlier offseason speculation suggested Sacramento would need to move Malik Monk or Devin Carter to make room in the backcourt, but Westbrook remains linked to the organization with both guards still on the roster.
Sixers Remain Confident on Grimes
The Philadelphia 76ers continue to believe they will re-sign restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. While the 24-year-old could accept his $8.7 million qualifying offer, Fischer notes that both parties expect to strike a longer agreement starting at a higher salary.
The free-agent market’s top names thus remain on hold, with front offices and players waiting for the next move to break the impasse.
Source: HoopsRumors
