Warriors add Horford, Melton, Payton II amid Kuminga impasse

On Sunday, the Warriors verbally committed to Al Horford on a multiyear deal, and also secured agreements with De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Golden State’s offseason has been anything but quiet. Behind the scenes, the organization is pressing forward amid a contract standoff with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, and now, they have simultaneously secured veteran pieces to stabilize and deepen the rotation. 

The Kuminga Factor: Unfinished Business

Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation looms large. The restricted free agent has reportedly declined several multi-year offers (including a 3-year, $75.2 million proposal) because his camp is pushing for a player option – something the Warriors have resisted. As of now he hasn’t signed anything for 2025–26, yet the team continues to extend a $7.9 million qualifying offer to Kuminga, giving themselves matching rights but also putting pressure on his decision.

This stalemate has impacted Golden State’s ability to finalize contracts for other players, as they’ve held offers in limbo while waiting for clarity from Kuminga. With training camp looming, the front office appears to be taking a more assertive posture – adding veterans who can contribute immediately rather than sitting idle.

Veteran Additions: Horford, Melton & Payton II

Al Horford

At 39, Al Horford brings a rare blend of shooting, high basketball IQ, and positional versatility. He’s verbally agreed to a multi-year deal to join the Warriors, expected to help anchor their frontcourt presence. Horford is projected to take on the starting center role in many lineups, offering spacing and experience next to Curry, Draymond, and Jimmy Butler.

De’Anthony Melton

Melton is set to return to Golden State after a season sidelined by an ACL injury. In his six games before the injury, he averaged 10.3 points and 2.8 assists and showed promise as a two-way guard. His return is important for restoring backcourt depth, defensive versatility, and secondary playmaking.

Gary Payton II

A returning face in the Bay Area, Payton II is expected to sign a new deal and rejoin Golden State’s guard rotation. Known for his perimeter defense, hustle, and off-ball activity, Payton bolsters the Warriors’ depth with a trusted veteran presence.

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ANALYSIS: Together, these additions provide the Warriors with insurance across multiple positions and more flexibility in in-game rotations.

These moves are for depth and insurance, with Curry, Green, and Butler expected to carry heavy loads, Golden State now has stronger options behind them. Horford stabilizes the big man rotation, while Melton and Payton offer guard depth, which is essential for sustaining consistency over a long season. 

Integrating older, experienced talent always comes with tradeoffs. The coaching staff will need to determine how many minutes veterans like Horford and Payton can log without hindering youth development and long-term flexibility.