The Golden State Warriors have been playing the long-wait game, but it is getting close to “go time”. While the Warriors have held off making moves while waiting for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga to come to terms, rumors have been flying around about who could join the team. One of the most recent tidbits, per Jake Fischer of the Stein Line, is that the Dubs are interested in Cody Martin.
Cody Martin and Trey Murphy III Added To Warriors Wish List
Golden State has nine players under contract for the 2025-26 campaign with a salary cap hit of $170.5 million. This puts the Warriors at $17.3 million below the NBA’s luxury tax and $36.8 million under the second apron.
The Warriors and Kuminga appear to be quite far apart in their negotiations, with the 22-year-old rejecting every overture. Kuminga, who has a $7.98 million qualifying offer, is reportedly seeking around $30 million a season and a long-term deal. The Warriors’ best offer has been two years for $45 million, and Fischer said that is the most the Dubs intend to offer.
Golden State has reportedly had trade discussions with teams about Kuminga, but it doesn’t appear that the Warriors want to trade him. The Warriors have said that they fully expect Kuminga to be on the squad next season. Sacramento and Phoenix have been among the teams interested in the athletic 6-8 forward.
So, how much flexibility will the Warriors have to finalize their roster? It will depend on what Kuminga decides to do.
“Depending on what happens with Kuminga, the Warriors should have either the taxpayer or even a portion of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception available to them, Luke Adams of Hooprumors said yesterday. “For instance, if Kuminga accepts the rumored two-year, $45MM offer Golden State has put on the table, the club would be roughly $14.9MM below the second apron with 10 players under contract.”
“If Kuminga were to sign his $7.98MM qualifying offer, Golden State would have about $17MM in breathing room below the first apron,” Adams added.
What Do The Warriors Need To Add?
Once Kuminga signs, Golden State’s biggest need will, like always, be to add some depth up front. Kuminga (when he signs), Draymond Green, Quenten Post, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos, and Jackson Rowe are the only bigs on the roster. Rowe is on a two-way deal. Meanwhile, Jackson-Davis and Santos’ deals don’t become fully guaranteed until January 10.
The Warriors supposedly have a verbal agreement to add Al Horford, among others. But if that is the case, Horford is the most important, as he provides the Warriors with a quality frontcourt player despite his advanced age. While not the player he once was, the 39-year-old is still productive, a decent rebounder, and a strong low-post defender. Offensively, his most important attribute is his ability to stretch the floor.
If an agreement is in place, how much will Horford make? Again, it will depend on Kuminga’s deal.
“Al Horford’s situation is a bit different,” Fischer recently said. “Because, depending on where the Warriors land in a cap/tax situation, I believe he is slated to make upwards of the full taxpayer mid-level exception. There has also been some discussion about whether or not he could potentially be receiving a two-year deal with a player option as well.”
Warriors Other Options
Golden State has also been previously linked to several other veterans, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, and Malcolm Brogdon. Again, depending on Kuminga’s and presumably Horford’s contracts, it could ultimately determine the number and type of players signed.
Let’s presume that Melton and Horford are signed; that gives the Warriors 11 players. Melton and Curry would likely be two other veterans the Warriors would prefer to sign. Melton is a versatile guard who spent time with the Warriors last season, and would give Golden State’s bench a considerable boost. The 6-2 guard possesses good handles, is a good shooter, defender, and facilitator.
Curry would provide the Warriors with another elite shooter off the bench. The Warriors do have Buddy Hield and Moses Moody, but one of them could start alongside Stephen Curry. Projected starting shooting guard Brandin Podziemski has also proven to be a consistent 3-point shooter, as he averages 1.5 career threes at a 38.7% clip.
Unless Melton or Curry hook up with a team, it appears that Brogdon isn’t really an option. Payton II has spent the majority of the past five seasons with the Warriors and would likely sign with the team on a minute’s notice. But he is not a better option than either Melton or Curry.
Now, with the projected addition of Melton and Curry, the Warriors will have 13 players. Given the likelihood that the Warriors are going to be over the luxury tax, they will likely start the season with 14 players. The Warriors could waive Jackson-Davis or Santos to open a roster spot. Santos would be the likeliest of the two players to be sent packing, though expect both players to at least start the year with the club.
Cody Martin and Trey Martin III
Martin would be an ideal fit for the Warriors due to his versatility and professionalism. Martin has shown he can be a reliable role player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands. He has appeared in
Martin is solid defensively and capable of guarding four positions. The 6-5 wing is also a decent rebounder and facilitator as well as a solid ballhandler. However, he is inefficient offensively.
Martin is at his best off the ball and around the rim. He has career averages of 6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists with shooting splits of 43.6/30.8/66.1.
Fischer also mentioned that the Warriors have interest in trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III. Murphy, who is coming off a career season, is a knockdown shooter and would be an excellent fit alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. He is also solid defensively and has shown the ability to create.
Additionally, Murphy would be the face of the franchise once the Warriors begin their rebuilding process. The problem is that other teams, like San Antonio, would be interested in Murphy II. More importantly, there is no word that the Pelicans would be interested in dealing the athletic 25-year-old. So don’t expect him to end up with the Warriors or any other team in the near future as Murphy III is under contract through 2028-29.
Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images
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