Golden State Warriors Eye Frontcourt Reinforcements as Al Horford Mulls Retirement and Jonathan Kuminga’s Role Remains in Flux
The Golden State Warriors are entering a pivotal period in their franchise timeline, one marked by both opportunity and uncertainty. While their championship core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson has brought immense success over the past decade, time waits for no one in the NBA. With the 2025 offseason in full swing, the Warriors are reportedly exploring several avenues to upgrade their frontcourt, amid mounting speculation about veteran Al Horford’s possible retirement and growing ambiguity around Jonathan Kuminga’s future role in the rotation.
For a franchise that once revolutionized basketball by embracing small-ball lineups and stretching the floor with pace and space, the Warriors now find themselves needing size, stability, and experience up front. Though the team still boasts elite shooting and intelligence from its core, their lack of consistent interior presence was evident during the 2024–25 campaign. They struggled to defend larger, more physical teams and often lost the rebounding battle—something that historically had never been a true strength, but in recent years has become more of a glaring weakness.
The potential retirement of Al Horford is one of the most immediate factors driving the Warriors’ sense of urgency. While Horford is not officially on the Warriors’ roster, the team has long admired his game and leadership. Over the past year, front-office rumors have swirled about Golden State pursuing Horford as a stabilizing veteran should he choose to play one more season. Known for his high basketball IQ, defensive versatility, and locker room presence, Horford would bring intangible value that goes beyond the box score. But at age 39 and after a deep playoff run with the Boston Celtics, Horford is reportedly leaning toward hanging up his sneakers for good.
Sources close to Horford suggest that he’s seriously weighing retirement this offseason, citing the physical toll of the long NBA grind and the desire to spend more time with his family. While he hasn’t made a final decision, multiple executives across the league believe it’s more likely than not that Horford has played his final NBA game. For the Warriors, this is a blow—not because they’re losing a player currently under contract, but because it limits their veteran options for the type of big man they covet: one who can defend multiple positions, pass out of the post, and knock down the occasional three-pointer.
With Horford likely out of the picture, attention shifts to internal development and trade possibilities, and at the heart of that discussion is Jonathan Kuminga. Once heralded as a future star and a key piece of the franchise’s youth movement, Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in the Bay Area. His athleticism is elite, his defensive potential tantalizing, and his ability to create in transition offers a different look for a Warriors team often criticized for being too reliant on halfcourt execution.
Yet, despite these gifts, Kuminga’s role remains unclear. There were stretches last season where he found himself buried on the bench in favor of veterans, unable to earn consistent minutes in Steve Kerr’s complex motion offense. His defensive discipline still needs refining, and his outside shot has not developed at the pace the Warriors hoped. As a result, Kuminga has become something of an enigma—a player with immense upside but one who may not fully blossom within Golden State’s tightly structured system.
Team sources indicate that the front office is divided on Kuminga’s long-term fit. Some believe he should be untouchable—a rare athlete who simply needs time and confidence to become a force. Others believe he’s better off in a different system where he can play more freely and be given the reins to develop through mistakes. These internal discussions are reportedly intensifying, as the Warriors gauge his trade value in a league always searching for young, high-ceiling forwards.
If the Warriors do decide to shop Kuminga, they’ll be seeking a frontcourt piece that better complements their aging core. One name that continues to surface is Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers, a rim-running, shot-blocking center who could provide the paint presence Golden State sorely needs. Another possibility is Pascal Siakam, though his high price tag and need for touches might complicate his fit within Golden State’s egalitarian offense. There have also been whispers of a more modest target like Kelly Olynyk, a veteran stretch-big who could fill a floor-spacing role similar to what they hoped Horford might provide.
Complicating matters further is the question of Draymond Green’s durability and role. While Green remains the emotional leader of the team, his offensive production has declined, and his ability to anchor the defense is not quite what it was during the Warriors’ championship peak. Green’s presence is still crucial, but the Warriors must realistically plan for moments—especially deep into the season—where he may not be able to log 35 minutes a night or defend top-tier post players without assistance.
This leads to a broader question: what kind of team do the Warriors want to be moving forward? Their identity has long been predicated on unselfish ball movement, switch-heavy defense, and lethal outside shooting. But with Curry turning 37 next season and Klay Thompson no longer the two-way menace he once was, the Warriors may need to evolve again—this time by becoming a bit more traditional in the frontcourt. That doesn’t mean abandoning their style altogether, but rather adapting it to reflect the realities of an aging core and a more physically demanding Western Conference landscape.
The Western Conference, after all, is stacked with dominant bigs. From Nikola Jokić in Denver to Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles, the path to a Finals appearance almost certainly goes through at least one elite frontcourt. Without a reliable interior presence, the Warriors will continue to struggle against the size and strength of these teams, no matter how effective Curry remains on the perimeter.
That’s why the front office is placing a premium on acquiring size this offseason. It’s not just about rebounding or rim protection—it’s about versatility. The ideal addition would be a player who can switch onto smaller guards, hold his own in the post, and knock down open shots when Curry and company draw defensive attention. Those players are rare and expensive, but Golden State’s urgency suggests they may be willing to make a bold move.
There’s also the matter of roster balance and salary cap management. With Curry, Green, Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins all on significant contracts, the Warriors must be shrewd with any financial moves. Moving Kuminga would be painful in terms of potential, but it might be the only way to bring in a player who can help them win now. It’s a delicate balance—preserving the future while maximizing the present—and one that general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. must navigate carefully.
The 2025 NBA Draft and free agency didn’t yield much in the way of elite frontcourt talent for Golden State, which is another reason trade discussions have gained momentum. While they did add a promising young center in the second round, he’s viewed as a developmental project rather than an immediate contributor. That means any serious upgrade will almost certainly have to come via trade, and that likely means parting with a young asset or two.
Warriors fans, for their part, remain divided. Some are eager to see Kuminga given a bigger role and believe he could blossom into a star with the right support. Others are growing impatient and want to see the franchise fully commit to winning another title while Curry is still playing at an MVP-caliber level. No matter which camp you fall into, it’s clear that the front office has tough decisions to make—ones that could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.
The Warriors have already defied expectations more than once. They rebuilt a dynasty around their Big Three, developed young talent, and captured four championships in the span of a decade. But the margin for error is now thinner than ever. The potential retirement of a veteran like Horford, the uncertain development of Kuminga, and the changing dynamics of the Western Conference all combine to create a sense of urgency and opportunity. Whether that results in a blockbuster trade, a bold gamble, or a commitment to internal growth remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the Warriors are not standing still. They know the window is closing, and they’re determined to find the right mix of youth, experience, and frontcourt depth to make one last deep run while Curry still has magic left in his shot. Whether Horford retires or not, whether Kuminga takes the next step or becomes part of a trade package, Golden State’s pursuit of frontcourt reinforcement will define their offseason—and perhaps their legacy.
