SAN FRANCISCO,CA — The Warriors have been the quietest team in free agency. Not because they lack needs. Far from it. Golden State only has nine players under contract. That number is not enough to meet the league’s minimum floor of 14 players to start the season. The Warriors’ starting five will quickly take shape once their biggest domino falls.
Warriors Starting Five When They Sign Entire Waiting Room
Kuminga Stalemate Freezes The Market
Their offseason has stalled around Jonathan Kuminga. His contract standoff has handcuffed the front office. His cap hold has frozen their ability to add reinforcements.
Recent signals point to Kuminga taking his qualifying offer. The deadline is Oct. 1. That decision will unlock whatever comes next.
In the meantime, a waiting room has formed. “Quietly pleading for clarity,” is how Monte Poole of NBC Sports described the group of veterans ready to sign. They wait on Kuminga’s decision to see if the Warriors can free up room.
Horford, Melton, And Payton In Line
Kevon Looney left for New Orleans after feeling undervalued. That exit leaves a hole in the Warriors’ frontcourt.
Al Horford is expected to fill it. The 39-year-old still offers stability, shooting, and veteran presence. De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II are also lined up to join.
Malcolm Brogdon’s interest is uncertain. The Knicks and Timberwolves remain in the mix. For now, Seth Curry becomes the likely replacement in the rotation. His family ties to the franchise make the fit obvious.
The Projected Warriors Starting Five
Reports suggest Horford would start if he signs. Add Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green — that’s three locks. The final spot? Brandin Podziemski.
Podziemski played the fourth-most playoff minutes last year, trailing only the Warriors’ core. His 11.7 points per game during the regular season on efficient splits make him the safe choice.
That gives Golden State a projected Warriors starting five of: Curry, Podziemski, Butler, Green, Horford. A mix of aging icons and a young glue.
Depth Will Define The Season
The bench features Kuminga, Moses Moody, Payton, Buddy Hield, Quinten Post, Melton, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Kerr has long trusted deep rotations, sometimes going 11 or 12 players.
Scoring depth is not the issue. Last year, Golden State ranked third in bench scoring. Adding Melton strengthens that strength.
The younger Curry will likely play sparingly, with guard minutes already crowded.
The Stakes Of Kuminga’s Choice
If Kuminga accepts his qualifying offer, the Warriors gain extra breathing room under the tax. That opens the non-taxpayer mid-level, roughly $14.1 million, to divide among their waiting room.
It means Horford, Melton, and Payton can step into uniform. It means the Warriors starting five finally takes shape. Until then, uncertainty rules. The roster remains thin. But once the stalemate breaks, expect the Warriors to act fast. Their rotation will be a formidable threat in the West provided the coaching staff manages its old core well over the course of the season.
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