Warriors Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon, Ben Simmons

The Golden State Warriors continue to navigate a complicated offseason, and the next move hinges on the uncertain future of forward Jonathan Kuminga.

According to a report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Kuminga and his camp have been expected to meet with multiple teams during Summer League. While that still may happen, the general tone around Kuminga’s status has not changed.

Despite outside speculation, the Sacramento Kings were never close to finalizing a sign-and-trade with Golden State, sources told Siegel. After acquiring Dennis Schroder from Detroit, Sacramento is now less than $10 million away from the first-apron hard cap. A serious push for Kuminga would require moving either Malik Monk or DeMar DeRozan, and few around the league see that as realistic.

The Miami Heat were also loosely linked to Kuminga early in the offseason, but those talks never gained traction, sources said. The recent addition of Norman Powell and Miami’s hard cap position have taken them out of the equation altogether.

The truth is, there is no true sweepstakes for Kuminga, Siegel wrote. Golden State had hoped to find a clean exit — perhaps a young player and draft capital in a sign-and-trade — but that scenario no longer seems viable.

Warriors in Holding Pattern

Teams like the Jazz, Nets, and Hornets have been floated as possible landing spots. However, league personnel told ClutchPoints there is no indication those teams are preparing offers.

In Brooklyn, attention has shifted to their own restricted free agency situation with Cam Thomas. Negotiations with Thomas have stalled, and there is now growing speculation that he may sign his qualifying offer and test unrestricted free agency in 2026.

For Kuminga, a return to the Warriors appears likely. Sources say ownership, including Joe Lacob, remains supportive of keeping him on a new deal. The expectation from rival executives is that Kuminga will re-sign with Golden State with the understanding that he may be traded before the 2026 trade deadline, per Siegel.

This path would allow Kuminga to rebuild his value during the early months of the season, while giving the Warriors the flexibility to use his full salary in future trades, rather than being restricted to 50 percent in sign-and-trade structures.

As it stands, Golden State has just nine players under contract and sits about $25 million below the first apron. The front office cannot make additional moves until the Kuminga situation is settled, though more activity is expected soon after.

Dunleavy Jr. Addresses Roster

During a Summer League broadcast on Friday, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. spoke about what the Warriors need to round out the roster around Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

“We learned a lot about our team this past year,” Dunleavy told ESPN. “We’re looking at shooting in the frontcourt, more defense in the backcourt. Offensively, guys who can shoot, pass, dribble. There are a lot of needs, but we’ve zeroed in on what we want.”

Among the names linked to Golden State are Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, both of whom have been on the team’s radar. Horford, who turned 39 last month, is expected to return for a 19th NBA season and could bring shooting and experience to the frontcourt.

Melton has been connected to both a return to the Warriors and Lakers since free agency began. While many believed Los Angeles would be his landing spot, the Lakers have since filled all 15 roster spots and used their full mid-level exception.

Sources tell Siegel that Melton may now be willing to sign for the minimum in the right situation, one that includes playing time and a defined role. Golden State could offer both.

More on Golden State Radar?

Beyond those two, the Warriors have also kept tabs on Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, and Gary Payton II. Additional names surfaced during Summer League conversations, including Seth Curry and Ben Simmons.

Seth Curry, who recently parted ways with Charlotte, has long talked about the possibility of teaming up with his brother. A minimum contract in Golden State could finally make that happen.

Simmons, meanwhile, is expected to command only a minimum deal in 2025-26. Despite recent injuries and inconsistency, his size, rebounding, and passing ability have intrigued the Warriors in the past. Surrounded by shooters, Simmons could still find a role that fits within Steve Kerr’s system.

For now, the Warriors remain in a holding pattern. Once Kuminga’s deal is finalized — and it appears that day is coming — Golden State is expected to move quickly. Several free agents are reportedly waiting to see what the Warriors do next, and the team’s work is far from finished.