The Golden State Warriors’ offseason has been a quiet one, with the team yet to make a splash in free agency as September looms. The primary reason for this inertia? The unresolved contract saga with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. While the Warriors await a decision from their young forward, who reportedly turned down their latest offer, they’ve missed out on several high-profile free agents. However, hope is not lost for Golden State, as they appear to have contingency plans in place, with deals reportedly lined up for multiple free agents once Kuminga’s future is clarified.
Among the names linked to the Warriors is a lesser-known but intriguing target: former Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Martin has emerged as a potential addition to Golden State’s bench. “We’ve reported previously that Seth Curry and Malcolm Brogdon are candidates for a Warriors roster spot after Kuminga’s situation is resolved,” Fischer noted. “Another name on the Warriors’ list of bench targets, sources say, is Cody Martin.”
Martin, now 29, spent the first five and a half seasons of his career with the Hornets, where he established himself as a versatile role player, averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 44.0% from the field and 31.9% from three. Traded to the Suns last season as part of the Jusuf Nurkic deal, Martin saw limited action, appearing in just 14 games. Despite his reduced role in Phoenix, his skill set makes him an attractive, cost-effective option for the Warriors, who are looking to bolster their depth around stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Martin’s appeal lies in his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. A capable scorer and defender, he could seamlessly slot into Golden State’s second unit, providing much-needed versatility. If Kuminga’s situation leads to his departure, Martin could even step into a larger role, offering a budget-friendly solution to fill the void. His defensive tenacity and ability to handle multiple positions align well with the Warriors’ fast-paced, switch-heavy system.
Beyond Martin, the Warriors have also been linked to veterans like Al Horford, Gary Payton II, and De’Anthony Melton, signaling their intent to upgrade their rotation. While these names carry more recognition, Martin represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for a team navigating luxury tax constraints and roster uncertainty. Golden State’s front office, known for its savvy moves, could see Martin as a diamond in the rough—a player who can provide steady minutes without breaking the bank.
As the Warriors continue to monitor the Kuminga situation, their interest in Martin and other free agents shows they’re not sitting idle. With a mix of patience and strategic planning, Golden State could turn a quiet offseason into a productive one, adding depth and flexibility to a roster built around its championship core. Whether Martin or another under-the-radar target joins the fold, the Warriors are poised to make moves that could keep them in contention in the loaded Western Conference.