While the Warriors are one of the only teams in the NBA that have yet to reach a contract agreement with a free agent this offseason, they’re viewed by numerous rival clubs as the “overwhelming favorite” to land Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).
Golden State already has over $170MM in guaranteed money on its books for nine players, so the outcome of Jonathan Kuminga‘s free agency will likely dictate what sort of offers the club can make to Horford and Melton.
Signing either of those veteran free agents with the $5.7MM taxpayer mid-level exception likely won’t happen until there’s a resolution on Kuminga, since using that exception would hard-cap the Warriors at the $207.8MM second apron. That could open the door for a rival team to find a way to give Kuminga an offer sheet featuring a starting salary too high for Golden State to match without cost-cutting moves.
Here’s more from Stein and Fischer:
- Chris Paul would still like to play as close to his home in Los Angeles as possible, and the Clippers and Suns continue to weigh the possibility of signing him, per Stein and Fischer. However, if those clubs ultimately go in a different direction, it’s unclear what the 2025/26 season might hold for Paul. The Bucks have interest in the veteran point guard, but he has shown “little inclination” to entertain the idea of signing with an Eastern Conference team so far, according to The Stein Line duo. For what it’s worth, when Paul was asked recently how much longer he plans to play, he replied, “At the most, a year,” which suggests that retirement may not be entirely off the table.
- Bradley Beal is owed a 25% advance payment on his 2025/26 salary on July 15, Stein and Fischer say. While the veteran guard would get that money (roughly $13MM) even if he and the Suns agree to a buyout before then, it’s possible he’ll wait until after he receives that payment an agreement that would see him exit Phoenix.
- After missing out on James Borrego, the Knicks are also unlikely to land Bucks assistant Darvin Ham as they seek a lead assistant for Mike Brown‘s new staff, Stein and Fischer report. Stein noted last weekend that New York has interest in Ham, but Milwaukee appears unwilling to give the Knicks permission to speak to him for what would be a lateral move. Jay Triano, another Knicks target, is also off the table since he just signed a new contract with Dallas, Stein and Fischer add.
- The Bucks are considered likely to bring back forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo if Giannis Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee, according to Stein and Fischer. Thanasis missed all of the 2024/25 season due to an Achilles tear, but said in May that he has been medically cleared to return to action.
Thanasis is back!
He’s worth every penny
It feels less Nepo Baby than Bronny. It’s more like a Haslem.
Maybe Al just retires. Better chances of getting a chip elsewhere if not.
Huh? You mean just like your prediction that the Celtics would win it all last year…
Not sure you should be speaking about predictions. The warriors are done pal. Think Chicago post MJ, enjoy.
You kept telling that the Celtics would win it all. You kept telling me I had to worship the Celtics…
“You kept telling me that the Celtics would win it all “.
Their best player tore his achilles in the playoffs! Are you saying Boston was a bad pick to win last year? Because, throughout most of last season, that was the general consensus of every single NBA reporting media outlet, that existed, in the entire world
If he was retiring he would have already. This is because he is taking the TPMLE and GSW cant sign him to it until after they deal with Kuminga for the reason above.
I think he likes their offense . And he feels more needed there as a big. Expects more consistent PT. I like him there man. Warriors handle the Kuminga trade. I believe Al can get more than minimum there. Love to see him on Knicks. All they can pay is minimum.
Melton was great in his 6 games with the Warriors last season, but I’m torn about the Warriors offering him for 2 reasons:
1) Melton’s estimated “availability” is poor, which is not what you need when your core group is ancient. Steph will be 38 and Buddy Hield will be 33 years old. If other rotation players are missing, we’re screwed.
Some folks have called Melton “glass”, which the numbers support. Melton struggled to stay on the court with Philly. He played only 6 games for GSW before the ACL injury, and before that, various other injuries led to all regular season games and some pre-season games.
2) adding Melton hurts Moody’s and, especially, Podz’ development…perhaps irreparably. Playing Melton before these 2 young players, which Kerr is certain to do, would be yet another in a long line of anti-development personnel moves.
After a great rookie season where he started in a hugely successful lineup, Podz was demoted to second-string with Melton’s arrival. He then proceeded to play terribly until after Melton and, later, Schroeder departed. Podz’ confidence struggled and he said publicly that he hadn’t been prepared psychologically for losing his key role with the team. Podz finished the season very strongly, save a few bad playoff games. He may not be a future All-Star, but ,IMO, he’s worth developing
If I’m Podz and I’m told that De’Anthony Melton is returning to, once again, take my position after I’ve been told I’d earned it, I’m following JK’s lead to ask for a trade.
1) Melton is waaayyyy to good for a min deal. The only way you get him that cheap is because of the injury concerns. The other upside is on a min deal you can cut him if he gets hurt again or dump him into someones exception to clear a roster spot. He also only counts for the 2.2M in cap and actual pay.
2) Melton got hurt in Nov so he probably isnt ready to return until about then if not later, so the young guys should get a shot early in the year to cement a spot. He is one that you probably play 15-20 min a night until you get into like march just to try and have him healthy by playoff time. Then if he plays hard in the playoffs and breaks so be it.
With Podz in particular I think his season actually made a lot of sense. He got his nose broken and was playing through pain with a mask on. Playing with a mask according to a lot of players messes with your shot. His shot was broken to start the year in the mask, and it snowballed destroying his confidence. He was still playing well in most other areas at the start, but the whole thing started causing other mess ups. He hurt his core and was out for a while. That gave him a mental reset, time to get shots up, and find his rhythm. He returned after a break both mentally and physically right, and rolled the rest of the year until the playoffs when his shot left mid way through the Rockets series, apparently when his shooting wrist got hurt. He was also wearing a thumb wrap like Steph. I would say if Podz shows he can be the player he was when healthy he gets the starting job. He needs to work on his defense and stay healthy and productive to keep it.
If podz is that ‘fragile’ , perhaps he should be called glass
How is getting your nose broken being fragile? Even with the core injury he got hit pretty hard to get it. The only thing you could really say is does taking all the charges put him at injury risk?
Podz is garbage, oh no, please don’t ask for a trade. A drink bottle will suffice, possibly a towel in a straight up swap.
You think every player wearing a Warriors uniform is garbage.
You think every warrior player is an all star. What’s Podz strengths? He tries hard, and?
When did I ever say that every Warrior’s player is an All-Star? That would be never. Podz has a high basketball IQ. He knows how to play the game.
IQ is all of a sudden a guy who gets jammed up, can’t get his shot off and constantly relying on getting assists via the first few rows of the crowd. Totally out of control when he’s not at risk of breaking more backboards than Shaq. High IQ is laughable. Lucky to get another contract.
If he is such a terrible player, why was he voted 1st team All-Rookie by the NBA?
Meaning, “he’s white.”
There might be basketball trees growing on the Chase court from Podz incessant/pounding dribble drives to nowhere…
Wow. Not only is Aristotle an expert in Statistics and the Business of Sports, he is an Orthopedist and Sports Physiologist. Have you ever examined Melton? How can you make a prognosis?
Melton would probably assume the role he had last season, coming off the bench. The only reason he replaced Podz in the starting lineup was because Podz was struggling with his shot. He was pressing. Besides, the two are good friends. Why would there be any tension?
Giants74, with just a little thought in advance, you’d spare yourself some embarassment.
> Have you ever examined Melton? How can you make a prognosis?
Seriously? No medical expertise is needed to confirm my claim that Melton is an injury risk. He’s currently recovering from an ACL injury (try Google if you’re unfamiliar). Melton played 6 games with GSW last season. His previous season in Philadelphia ended prematurely with an injury.
> The only reason (Melton) replaced Podz in the starting lineup was because
> Podz was struggling with his shot.
FALSE. Podz lost his starting position in the pre-season when Kerr declared he thought Podz fit best as the backup PG. Podz started the season on the bench, playing 10 mins per game less than the previous season. When Melton went down with an ACL tear, Podz didn’t regain his starting position. It took the failed Dennis Schroeder experiment for Podz to give Podz the chance to regain a starting position.
> Besides, the two (Podz and Melton) are good friends. Why would there be any
> tension?
Seriously? Who said there would be “tension” between Podz and Melton? The point is that players who have been starting want to continue doing that. (Younger players tend to respond especially poorly to demotion, even if they have an intimate relationship with their replacement.) Podz also happens to be eligible for a rookie extension after this season.
You’re misunderestimating podz, seriously, aristotle. He ain’t no ballerina
Probably read tweet lol …..
On a very small contract, Melton would be ok off the bench. Podz has the most upside of any young Warriors player. Good team player also.
Still waiting for 1 or 2 bigs on the roster from free agency, think it may be a long wait.
IMO, GS needs to get younger. However, probably trying for one last title with Curry
How did the W’s miss out on getting in on the Myles Turner action, 2nd apron be damned?That would have been an interesting JK sign/trade if they could somehow match salaries. And it’s still a possibility if the Bucks get off to a slow start…
S&T caps you at the first apron not second like they probably will be after signing Horford. Theres no way to work what Turner got paid into Steph/Dray/Butler and still have money for min to get to the 14 your required. The Warriors big 3 make more than you can feasibly work with a large ST. This is made even harder by the fact Kuminga would only count as half his contract outgoing so you need to balance the trade to make it legal and send 15-20M more outgoing to get close to Turners money.
Mid season none of that applies. If GSW sign Kuminga for 25M and the Bucks struggle you dont have to worry about the ST hard cap or BYC so you just match with Kuminga and a small contract.
Going to be a vet min for Melton almost for sure since Horford should get the whole TPMLE.
GSW getting Melton and Horford and keeping Kuminga actually means they are a top 4 team if no injuries hit them. Everyone is forgetting how good they were last year with Jimmy and a mostly healthy squad. Podz and Moody will be way better now they aren’t injured.
Jimmy for Lebron trade in 2026 seems increasingly likely now the Lakers have made Lebron mad. There goes any trade value he had. Jimmy-Bron, 1-1 is very likely GSW’s backup plan if they can’t get Giannis.
Don’t forget Moody/JK for Giannis too 🤣
Steph, LeBron, Giannis, Butler, Green and Podz leading the second team. Steph’s swan song 2027 looking like a Light Years dream come true 🤣
Gonna need like 10-15M more in matching salary for Giannis. Moody is 11M and JK probably gets 25M so your at 36M and Giannis makes 53M ish I think, so you gotta find another 20M almost in salary, but outside Hield the rest of the team is pretty much on min or rookie deals.
Pretty much the only way to build a Giannis deal is to do Butler to a 3rd team and all the returning assets from him + all the picks for Giannis. At that point its maybe 6 1sts and some swaps. Or Butler and picks for Giannis and the Bucks figure out flipping Butler to a contender.
Why can’t they just pay Thanasis to be a coach? Is Giannis trying to get big bro an NBA pension? Does he really need it with Giannis making so much money?
It so embarrassing that he’s taking a roster spot
A lot of teams just leave the 15th spot open. Is this really any worse? Keep your top 5 player in the world happy with a back of the bench depth spot.
Yes. And that’s because they pay Thanasis. An open 15th spot isn’t using cat space. But more importantly, his performance is not, nor had it ever been worthy of a roster spot. He needs to find a different way to support his little brother. Giannis has to allow Thanasis to story him in a different role.
Otherwise, at some point you have to question why everyone should believe the validity of his commitment to bringing another championship to Milwaukee. You can’t say that’s the goal and continue to insist your talentless brother be getting paid salary on the end of the bench. Salary that could be used on a legitimate player with role player potential.
I think the role should be coaching. That could pay him more to be a coach anyway
Picking up both Horford and Melton would be a nice move tor Warriors. Depth is always a good thing. Plus remember we have to see what they get for Kuminga. Warriors had depth last year. They could of beat TWolves.
I believe both Beal and CP3 wind up in LA. Amazing how the buyout market has worked this year. Rich teams can always find a way lols.
What Kuminga trade are you talking about?
Oh Aristotle…I’m two steps ahead of you. Melton’s tear was actually considered a minor tear. His Philly back problems were the result of over use. Look it up. Guess how you rehab both issues?
Your right Podz wasn’t in the opening night lineup. But, neither was Melton. And if you don’t believe Podz has shooting issues, read this link to nbcsportsbayarea.com
GIants74, as always, you’re unable to accept the truth, no matter how plain it is to all.
I’ll repeat the relevant facts, which you can’t evade:
1) Melton missed all but 6 games last year and ended the previous season prematurely because of injury. He’s an injury risk.
2) Melton didn’t take Podz’ position because podz couldn’t shoot.
Ok Aristotle. What player isn’t a risk for injury? Kevon Looney had trouble getting drafted and missed almost a season and a half due to a surgically repaired hip. He went on to be an iron man. Are you going to say that never happened?
I guess you didn’t read the article I linked to about Podz’s ‘sophomore slump’? I can post links to other articles about it. But, I guess you’ll deny that those exist.
> Ok Aristotle. What player isn’t a risk for injury?
Classic. Maybe it’s time to think about taking the “L”?
Calling a player an “injury risk” means the player *currently* has a significantly higher *probability* of being injured than a normal player. Melton, like Looney 5 years ago, can reduce that perceived risk by playing without injury for a while. Until then, most teams will stay clear.
If Melton wasn’t an injury risk last summer, GSW wouldn’t have been able to sign him to a contract at a lower value than he’d receive if he’d been healthy. Currently, he’s perceived as an even greater risk, which is why he’s certain to sign for significantly less than what the Warriors paid him 12 months ago.
Pretty sure the Warriors have the non-taxpayer MLE since they are below the first tax apron so they actually have $14.1M available which makes horford + melton make more sense from a competitive market standpoint. Not sure they would attract both with just $5.6M to allocate.
They’re about $25MM below the first apron with nine players under contract and Kuminga’s free agency not resolved. To use the full MLE, they’d either have to let him walk for nothing or take back very little salary in return.
Kuminga doesnt affect their use of the nontax payer MLE. It’s based on the previous year. Kuminga is their own tree agent so it is moot either way.
Nope. It is based on the current year, and using it caps you at the 1st apron, which they are currently about 25M below. If you use the 14M then you have 10M below the hard cap. In that scenario 10 teams have the space to offer 11M to Kuminga and your not allowed to match. Bird rights dont allow you to go over a hard cap once you do something that triggers it.
If you use the NTMLE before resolving Kuminga you lose him for nothing, guaranteed.
Pretty much the only way they have some of the non tax MLE is if they sign and trade Kuminga and take 11M or less back, or Kuminga accepts the qualifying offer at 7.6M which gives him a no trade and makes him unrestricted next year.
They also would need at least 5M below the hard cap after the deals to finish filling out the roster to the min 14 players.
Sorry my comment wasnt complete. Kuminga complicates any use of a MLE. Even at 5M. However, the flexibility is there because they could also trade off salary creatively. They played with the MLE last year as they flipped Klay. I am sure the capologists could make it work if needed. Although you are right, doing a full non tax payer MLE might mean off loading someone like Buddy or letting kuminga walk. The good news is they dont have to use all 14M but it’s there.
Other than Buddys salary they pretty much have nothing to offload for more flexibility so you can dump 8M at most, but only save 5.8M doing that because you still need to sign at least a vet min to fill his roster spot.
The only salaries over min and rookie deals are Moody at 11M and Buddy at 8M unless your moving one of Steph/Dray/Butler.
They have a TPE from sending Anderson out in the Butler trade, so after Kuminga they can use the TPMLE for Horford and still have like 10M to play with before the second apron. So in that scenario you could sign a player into the TPE for more than a min and get another guy on a contract around the TPMLE.