On July 15th, Beijing time, the Minnesota Timberwolves officially announced the signing of Naz Reid to a five-year contract worth $125 million. This move keeps most of their core roster intact, with the exception of Walker’s departure. It appears this change won’t significantly impact the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, as Western Conference powerhouses ramp up their offseason acquisitions, many Golden State Warriors fans are likely feeling frustrated since their team hasn’t made any new signings during this period.
The primary reason behind the Warriors’ inactivity lies in the uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga has expressed a desire to leave and, even if retained, would demand a hefty contract. This situation has put the Warriors in a tough spot: if they let him go, they lose a promising player; if they keep him, their options for strengthening the roster become limited. Currently, reports suggest the Warriors are interested in signing Al Horford, but Horford himself is hesitant about moving to the West Coast.
Sports journalist Marc Stein recently discussed Horford’s indecision on his show. He explained that since free agency opened, rumors linking Horford with the Warriors have circulated, yet no decision has been made. The Warriors aimed to finalize a deal last week, but Horford has delayed. Other teams like the Lakers, Bucks, and Hawks are also pursuing the near-40-year-old veteran, who isn’t in a rush to commit.
Horford’s hesitation stems largely from family considerations—he is expecting his sixth child and currently splits his offseason between Atlanta and Boston. The significant distance involved in relocating to the West Coast weighs heavily on his decision-making. Given that he has already won championships and earned substantial wealth, it wouldn’t be surprising if he chooses retirement soon. His family commitments clearly take priority, highlighting the importance of personal factors in free agency decisions.
The Warriors’ offseason efforts can be described as underwhelming. Not only have they failed to sign new talent, but they also lost Kevon Looney, a crucial contributor to their three championship runs. On the first day of free agency, Looney signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. After the playoffs, Looney commented on the team’s future plans, expressing hope that management would consider him but acknowledged uncertainty as free agency had just begun.
In a recent interview, Looney revealed the reasons behind his departure. He described the past few years with the Warriors as turbulent, with frequent changes and late communication about his role and contract. This unpredictability left him questioning his place on the team. His previous contract had shrunk from a mid-level salary to the minimum, prompting him to take control of his own career rather than wait passively.
When pressed about the Warriors’ preference for James Wiseman, Looney was diplomatic but hinted it influenced his decision. He mentioned that while he and Wiseman share a good relationship, the coaching staff seemed to favor everyone else over him. Looney felt overlooked during critical moments, especially in playoff matchups against tough defenders like Steven Adams. This lack of trust from coaches and management was disheartening, leading to his exit.
Looney’s frustration is understandable. Despite helping Golden State win three titles, he was undervalued contract-wise. While a max deal might be out of reach, a reasonable mid-level contract for a player of his caliber seems fair. The Warriors’ reluctance to meet his expectations justifies his decision to move on.
At New Orleans, Looney is expected to play as a third-string center. However, his value goes beyond on-court contributions—he brings strong leadership and veteran presence to the locker room. Among Warriors players, only Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were considered stronger locker room leaders. Looney also shares a close bond with Jordan Poole, who expressed excitement upon learning of Looney’s signing. Though the Pelicans face challenges in chasing a winning record, they aim to cultivate a winning culture inspired by the Warriors’ past success, making Looney’s arrival a promising development.
Comparatively, Warriors’ general manager Bob Myers’ offseason moves pale next to the Pelicans’ acquisitions, and coach Steve Kerr’s current frustration with lacking a reliable center is evident. Kerr has even suggested playing a “small ball” lineup without a traditional big man rather than adapting to ill-fitting players. Kuminga’s unresolved situation also highlights some coaching challenges.
With all this said, the current state of the Warriors leaves many questions unanswered. Their lack of decisive moves, key player departures, and internal tensions paint a complicated picture as the new season approaches.
