Warriors still linked to two key veterans as pressure to finalize roster mounts

Despite their second-round exit from the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors have taken a patient approach to the offseason. They're yet to make a move in free agency, despite only having nine players under contract for next season.

Part of the Warriors' slow start to the summer is due to Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency. Golden State is yet to reach an agreement with the former lottery pick. Furthermore, they're also dealing with rumors linking Kuminga with a sign-and-trade out of the Bay Area.

Still, Warriors fans should remain patient. While the team hasn't closed any deals, they are reportedly in talks with two potential veteran contributors. Steve Kerr's team is widely expected to secure the services of Al Horford, while also re-signing De'Anthony Melton. 

"We are indeed three full weeks into free agency now, but I still expect Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton to wind up in Golden State when their signing commitments are made public and official," NBA Insider Marc Stein reported on July 20. 

Horford is the biggest unknown for the Warriors. The veteran big man is an unrestricted free agent after leaving the Boston Celtics this summer. However, he's just as likely to retire as he is to move to the Bay Area for the upcoming season.

Nevertheless, Horford could become an important part of the Warriors' roster for the upcoming campaign. Between him and Draymond Green, Golden State would have one of the more defensively versatile frontcourts in the NBA. Furthermore, Horford could also provide Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler additional space to attack defenses in half-court situations.

Melton, on the other hand, will likely feel that he has unfinished business with the franchise. He was part of the rotation last season before an ACL sprain ended his season.

Even if the Warriors do acquire the two veterans, they will still be short on numbers. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob will undoubtedly need to pick up the pace in terms of rounding out the current roster.

The Warriors are supposed to be building a contending roster for the upcoming season. As such, fans will rightly expect to see more urgency from the front office. They can't let the Kuminga saga derail everything else. Golden State must start making up for lost time, and that should begin with closing the Melton deal. 

From there, they may need to start pressuring Horford into a decision. At least then, the team will have an opportunity to pivot if his decision isn't the one the franchise is hoping for. Golden State has to take control of its own future.