The Golden State Warriors are on the cusp of something special. After a thrilling 2024-25 season that saw them acquire Jimmy Butler and storm to a 23-9 record post-trade deadline (23-7 with Butler in the lineup), the Warriors proved they can still tangle with the NBA’s elite. Their upset victory over the second-seeded Houston Rockets in the playoffs was a testament to their resilience, even if Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury cut their postseason run short. With an aging but still lethal core, the Warriors are poised to make noise in 2025-26—but their roster is far from complete.
So far, the Warriors’ offseason has been quiet, with only rookies Alex Toohey and Will Richard joining the fold. While these young talents bring potential, they’re unlikely to shift the needle for a team with championship aspirations. To truly dominate the NBA next season, Golden State must address two critical moves: resolving the Jonathan Kuminga saga and signing veteran big man Al Horford. These decisions could propel the Warriors back to the top of the league.
The Jonathan Kuminga situation has become a high-stakes chess game, and the Warriors hold most of the pieces. At just 22, Kuminga is brimming with talent—athleticism, scoring prowess, and the ability to create his own shot. However, his skill set doesn’t perfectly mesh with Golden State’s Curry-centric, motion-based system. Kuminga thrives with the ball in his hands, slashing to the rim or creating from the perimeter, but the Warriors’ offense revolves around Curry’s gravity and off-ball movement. While Kuminga’s athleticism makes him a viable cutter, it’s clear he craves a larger role—one that’s unlikely to materialize as long as Curry remains the franchise cornerstone.
The problem for Kuminga is leverage, or rather, his lack thereof. As a restricted free agent, he’s stuck in a market where cap space is scarce, making a lucrative offer sheet from another team unlikely. This gives Golden State the upper hand. Reports indicate the Warriors offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million deal, which he promptly declined, signaling his desire for a bigger payday and role. Meanwhile, trade rumors swirl, with the Sacramento Kings reportedly eyeing Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal involving Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks. Golden State, however, deemed the offer insufficient.
Time is on the Warriors’ side—Kuminga doesn’t have to sign the qualifying offer until October 1—but this saga is stalling their offseason plans. Resolving it, whether through a trade, a new contract, or a sign-and-trade, is essential to unlocking the rest of their roster moves. A trade could net valuable assets to bolster depth, while a resolution keeps a talented young player in the fold. Either way, the Warriors must act decisively to clear this hurdle and focus on building a championship-caliber team.
The NBA world is buzzing with anticipation: Al Horford to the Warriors feels inevitable. At 39, Horford may not be the spry All-Star of yesteryear, but he’s a perfect fit for Golden State’s system. After losing Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors desperately need a big man who can anchor their frontcourt. Horford checks every box: defensive tenacity, floor-spacing ability, and elite basketball IQ.
Horford’s versatility is a rare commodity. Few big men in the Curry era have combined shooting and defense as seamlessly as he does. His ability to knock down threes stretches opposing defenses, creating driving lanes for Curry and Butler, while his defensive instincts bolster a frontcourt that lacks depth. With Draymond Green better suited to avoid the wear-and-tear of playing center early in the season, Horford could slide into the starting lineup, providing stability and leadership.
This signing is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. Horford’s experience in high-stakes playoff games makes him an ideal addition for a team with championship ambitions. Once the Kuminga situation is resolved, expect the Warriors to move swiftly to finalize this deal, setting the stage for a dominant 2025-26 campaign.
The Warriors are tantalizingly close to recapturing their dynasty form. With Curry, Butler, and Green leading the charge, and a potential starting lineup featuring Horford, Golden State has the firepower to compete with any team in the league. But to truly dominate, they must act with urgency. Resolving the Kuminga saga will provide clarity and resources, while signing Horford will shore up their frontcourt and unlock their full potential.
The 2025-26 season is a golden opportunity for the Warriors to reclaim their throne. By making these two critical moves, they can transform a promising roster into a juggernaut ready to conquer the NBA. The clock is ticking—let’s see if Golden State seizes the moment.