NBA rumors: Stretch center a ‘high priority’ for Warriors in free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors’ priority this NBA offseason is in place.
Golden State’s “high priority” in the opening hours of free agency is signing a stretch center, with veteran Al Horford surging as a “preferred target,” The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Monday, citing league sources.
While adding a stretch center is Golden State’s priority, Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency is the biggest question the Warriors have to answer this offseason, and as Slater noted, adding a free agent could complicate general manager Mike Dunleavy’s workflow.
“If the Warriors use the taxpayer midlevel exception (projected at around $5.7 million) on Horford or another free agent, they’ll be hard-capped at the second apron, currently projected at $207.8 million,” Slater wrote.
“The Warriors currently have nine players under contract at $170.5 million. Kuminga’s qualifying offer, extended over the weekend by the Warriors, is $7.9 million, but his cap hold is $22.9 million, further clogging the Warriors’ books if his situation drags deeper into July.”
In addition to Slater, NBA insider Marc Stein reported in his latest Substack, citing league sources, the Warriors’ interest in Horford.
Before the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, Golden State was the team most interested in trading for Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević.
Dunleavy and Co., however, were unable to agree to a trade package with Chicago for the two-time All-Star.
Many believe the Warriors need a stretch five who can help anchor the rotation against bigger teams on defense while providing dynamic shooting on offense.
It now appears the Warriors will prioritize filling a massive hole ahead of a crucial 2025-26 season.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
NBA rumors: Stretch center a ‘high priority’ for Warriors in free agency
The Warriors’ priority this NBA offseason is in place.
Golden State’s “high priority” in the opening hours of free agency is signing a stretch center, with veteran Al Horford surging as a “preferred target,” The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Monday, citing league sources.
While adding a stretch center is Golden State’s priority, Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency is the biggest question the Warriors have to answer this offseason, and as Slater noted, adding a free agent could complicate general manager Mike Dunleavy’s workflow.
SIGN UP HERE “If the Warriors use the taxpayer midlevel exception (projected at around $5.7 million) on Horford or another free agent, they’ll be hard-capped at the second apron, currently projected at $207.8 million,” Slater wrote.
“The Warriors currently have nine players under contract at $170.5 million. Kuminga’s qualifying offer, extended over the weekend by the Warriors, is $7.9 million, but his cap hold is $22.9 million, further clogging the Warriors’ books if his situation drags deeper into July.”
In addition to Slater, NBA insider Marc Stein reported in his latest Substack, citing league sources, the Warriors’ interest in Horford.
Before the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, Golden State was the team most interested in trading for Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević.
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Dunleavy and Co., however, were unable to agree to a trade package with Chicago for the two-time All-Star.
Many believe the Warriors need a stretch five who can help anchor the rotation against bigger teams on defense while providing dynamic shooting on offense.
It now appears the Warriors will prioritize filling a massive hole ahead of a crucial 2025-26 season.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
