The Golden State Warriors are shaking things up in NBA free agency, and the rumor mill is buzzing with blockbuster potential. After a quiet start, the Warriors are reportedly on the cusp of a major coup: luring Boston Celtics legend and five-time All-Star Al Horford to the Bay Area. But that’s not all—questions about Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the team are swirling, with Golden State reportedly seeking a first-round pick in a potential sign-and-trade deal for the young star. Here’s the latest on the Warriors’ bold moves as they aim to reshape their roster around Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Al Horford to Golden State? The Bombshell That Could Redefine the Warriors
Al Horford, a name synonymous with Celtics green, appears poised to leave Boston for a new chapter with the Warriors. The 39-year-old center, fresh off a two-year, $19.5 million deal with the Celtics, has been a cornerstone of Boston’s success, including their 2024 NBA championship run. With a career spanning stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Oklahoma City Thunder, Horford’s versatility as a stretch-five and defensive anchor makes him a dream fit alongside Curry’s sharpshooting and Green’s playmaking.
NBA insider Marc Stein fueled the speculation in his July 6, 2025, report, stating, “I continue to hear that Horford is destined to land in the Bay Area.” However, the Warriors face a financial hurdle, limited to the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception to offer Horford. Despite competition from the Los Angeles Lakers, who recently signed Deandre Ayton but still covet Horford’s pick-and-roll prowess, Golden State seems to have the edge. The question remains: how will the Warriors navigate their salary cap constraints to seal the deal?
Jonathan Kuminga’s Future in Doubt: Warriors Eye a First-Round Pick
While the Horford pursuit grabs headlines, the future of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is equally intriguing. The 22-year-old wing, a former No. 7 overall pick, has shown flashes of star potential but faces an uncertain future with the Warriors. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Golden State has extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to Kuminga, retaining the right to match any contract he signs. However, the front office is reportedly open to a sign-and-trade, with a steep asking price: a promising young player plus a first-round draft pick.
Recent trade talks have already surfaced, with the Sacramento Kings offering rookie Devin Carter, veteran Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks, per league sources. The Warriors, however, rebuffed the proposal, viewing it as a “buy-low attempt” on Kuminga’s immense upside. As Golden State weighs its options, Kuminga’s blend of athleticism and scoring could make him a centerpiece in a deal to bolster the roster or clear cap space for Horford.
Warriors’ Big Picture: Championship or Bust
The Warriors’ aggressive pursuit of Horford signals their all-in mentality for another title run. Pairing the veteran’s floor-spacing and defensive IQ with Curry’s gravity and Green’s versatility could unlock a new dimension for Golden State. Meanwhile, Kuminga’s potential departure reflects the team’s willingness to make tough choices to maximize their championship window.
As the Warriors navigate the logistics of signing Horford and explore trade scenarios for Kuminga, the NBA world is watching closely. Will Golden State pull off the Horford heist and find a suitable trade for Kuminga? Or will the Lakers or another contender swoop in? One thing is certain: the Bay Area is bracing for a seismic shift as the Warriors aim to reclaim their spot atop the NBA.