Forward Jonathan Kuminga might be 22-years old, but he has been holding he has been holding the Golden State Warriors roster hostage all summer. The Warriors have not been able to sign additional players or make veteran moves while they wait out Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner.

The Warriors have nine players under contract with training camp getting ready to start. The Warriors do not know who will be at their media day next week as the roster still needs to be rounded out.

Once the Kuminga saga is fully played out, the Warriors are ready to pounce on four veterans who are reportedly waiting in the wings to sign with the Warriors. 

According to Marc Stein, it is widely expected that the Warriors will sign Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry. This cannot happen until Kuminga is signed, sealed, and delivered. Stein, who runs The Stein Line on Substack (subscription required), also said second-round pick Will Richard will round out the open roster spots for training camp.

Stein believes the Warriors will move quickly once the Kuminga domino falls. He expects all deals, including Kuminga, to be finalized by next week.

The Warriors' lack of depth and lack of a full roster at this point in the fall is due in part to Kuminga's demands. Had he been under contract, even under the qualifying offer, which he has until Oct. 1 to accept, the Warriors would have a full roster.

The 39-year-old Horford helped the Boston Celtics to the NBA Championship in 2024. He shot 36 percent from 3-point land last season. He is another big man who can give the Warriors quality minutes off the bench, while still stretching the floor when Steph Curry needs a breather.

Payton would be an instant fan favorite and would make an emotional return to the Bay Area. He has great chemistry with the Warriors leaders and gives adrenaline to the players on the floor. His offense is called into question at times, but his defense is stellar.

Melton, 27, had a stint with Golden State last season, but he was injured as he partially tore his ACL. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets once healthy and provided good, solid defense and timely shooting, which the Warriors could always use.

Finally, Seth Curry would be able to play with his brother. He has made several stops in his journeyman career, but he did shoot 45.6 percent from 3-ball land last season. He is a sniper from the word go. With his brother on the floor beside him, the two could create more consistency to the offense. Steph might bring out more confidence in his brother and convince him to take more shots.