Warriors lock up Horford, Payton II, and Melton while Kuminga drama continues
Free agents Al Horford, Gary Payton II, and De’Anthony Melton are all coming back to the Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday.
The signings come as the Warriors are still locked in a contract standoff with Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga won’t be at Monday’s media day after skipping a trip to San Francisco this weekend, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Charania. The situation doesn’t look promising for Warriors fans hoping to see a quick resolution.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. did reach out to Kuminga’s agent on Sunday, but there’s “no momentum toward a Kuminga contract or return” before the team’s first practice Tuesday.
This latest development follows Kuminga’s absence from a team minicamp organized by new Warriors star Jimmy Butler last week.
Kuminga has until Wednesday night to sign his one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer.
Neither side has discussed extending that deadline, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Horford chooses court over retirement
The 38-year-old Horford had been thinking about hanging it up this summer, but instead committed to a multi-year deal with Golden State, his agent Jason Glushon confirmed.
The five-time All-Star averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 60 games with the Celtics last season.
He shot a career-best 89.5% from the free throw line.
Horford is now set to begin his 19th NBA season after spending the last four years in Boston.
Melton returns after brief Warriors stint
Melton’s first run with the Warriors was cut short last season when he tore his ACL after just six games. He was later traded to Brooklyn but clearly made an impression on Golden State’s coaching staff.
The 27-year-old guard averaged 10.3 points while shooting 37.1% from three-point range during his brief time with the team.
Payton II back for another run
Payton had his healthiest season since 2021-22 last year, appearing in 62 regular season games and 11 playoff contests for the Warriors.
The 32-year-old defensive specialist has become a trusted reserve for coach Steve Kerr since helping the team win the 2022 championship.
The son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton is entering his 10th NBA season.
Roster taking shape
Will Richard, Golden State’s No. 56 draft pick, is also signing a four-year deal with two years fully guaranteed, his agents told ESPN.
These signings will fill roster spots 9-13 for the Warriors, with the 14th spot currently reserved for Kuminga – if they can work things out.
The Warriors still plan to sign Seth Curry as well, but according to Marc Stein, their “to-the-dollar flexibility” depends on what happens with Kuminga.
