Warriors Keep Pursuit of Al Horford Amid Kuminga Contract Impasse
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The Golden State Warriors remain focused on signing veteran center Al Horford this offseason, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania. The organization is expected to use its taxpayer midlevel exception to complete roster moves.
Other Midlevel Targets
Along with Horford, Golden State has explored agreements with guards De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry. Sources told Slater and Charania that Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green are aware of the front office’s strategy and have not pushed for changes behind the scenes.
Impact on Jonathan Kuminga
The Warriors have held off on standard free-agent signings while negotiating with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. By staying under the second apron, the team can offer a maximum of $22.5 million for Kuminga’s 2024-25 salary while keeping 15 players on the roster—a figure he has so far declined in a multi-year deal that includes a team option.
General manager Mike Dunleavy has offered two separate contracts, per Slater and Charania:
- Three years, $75.2 million, with a team option in the third season ($48.3 million guaranteed over the first two years).
- Three years, $54 million fully guaranteed ($18 million annually).
If an agreement is not reached, Kuminga could accept his $7.9 million qualifying offer before the Oct. 1 deadline.
Horford’s 2023-24 Performance
Horford played 60 games (42 starts) for the Boston Celtics last season, averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.7 minutes. The 38-year-old shot 42.3% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range, and a career-best 89.5% at the free-throw line.
Waiting Game Continues
League executives still expect Horford to land in San Francisco once free agency settles, Slater reported in August. While retirement is reportedly an option for the five-time All-Star, the Warriors are proceeding as though he will join the team for the 2024-25 campaign.
Source: Basketball Insiders
