Warriors Projected To Finalize Roster Before Training Camp Next Week With The Addition Of Handful Of Free Agents

After months of rumors and give and take, the Golden State Warriors reportedly know who will be part of their 2025 -26 roster.  According to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Warriors will be officially adding several players once Jonathan Kuminga signs.

“There is a strong expectation leaguewide now that the Warriors will also be signing Seth Curry in addition to the Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II trio,” Stein wrote. “Golden State currently has six roster spots open. It’s believed they will be filled by Horford, Melton, Payton, Stephen Curry‘s younger brother Seth, second-round pick Will Richard, and, of course, Kuminga.”

Warriors Projected To Finalize Roster Before Training Camp Next Week With The Addition Of A Handful Of Free Agents

Kuminga, after posting career numbers in 2023-24, is coming off an inconsistent year, having dealt with injuries and an undefined role. The gifted 22-year-old forward did close out the Warriors’ playoff run last season by pouring in at least 18 points in four straight games.

Kuminga, whose qualifying offer is worth $7.9 million, reportedly came into the offseason seeking around $30 million per year. After holding relatively steady at about $23.5 million a season over two years, the Warriors recently upped their offer to three seasons for $75.2 million with a team option for the final campaign.

Ashish Matur of the Dallas Hoops Journal said that Kuminga rejected the Warriors’ last offer because he prefers a player option over a team option. Matur added that Kuminga and his representatives had a three-year, $82 million offer — including a player option in Year 3- that was quickly rebuffed by the Warriors.

There is no word whether Kuminga will sign the three-year deal or take the qualifying offer. However, Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Taylor, previously told The Hoop Collective podcast that taking the qualifying offer is a realistic option.

“There’s a lot of upside,” Turner said. “He wants to pick where he wants to go. So the QO is real for sure.”

Golden State Projected Financials With Free Agent Signings

As mentioned above, the Golden State has nine players under contract with a salary cap hit of $170.5 million. Let’s say that Kuminga does indeed accept the qualifying offer. That would increase the Warriors’ cap hit to about $180.4 million, leaving them about $28 million under the second apron.

Assuming the Warriors use a portion of their mid-level exception to sign Kuminga, that would mean they would have about $6.2 million left. Horford, who would be the Warriors’ top target among the players mentioned, is expected to be offered the taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.7 million, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania.  He could earn a little more with Kuminga taking the qualifying offer, though don’t expect it to be much more.

Horford is the key for the Warriors despite his declining production. As the 39-year-old center would provide a center who can space the floor and is an excellent passer. He also sets solid screens and is a physical defender in the low post.

The other three veterans will likely sign for the veteran minimum to meet the salary cap requirements. However, each player will likely receive more than that, given their years of service.

Melton and Curry should have a role on the Warriors’ second unit as both players can facilitate the offense and shoot it from the 3-point line. Melton probably has the edge in terms of playing time, as he is the better defender. However, Melton is coming off a gruesome injury and has been sidelined since mid-November.

Will Richard and the Warriors Two-way Spots