Signing four players! It's almost October, and the Warriors' offseason is finally about to begin!

It's already the end of September.

Typically, NBA teams would be starting media days, taking player portraits, and gearing up for the preseason at this point.

Warriors fans:"The hype is theirs; I have nothing to show..."

Indeed, except for the Warriors.

Because the roster isn't even assembled yet.

Not having finalized the core lineup and player contracts is extremely unusual in the context of Warriors history.

Why is this the case? Over the past two to three months, all focus has been on the tug-of-war with Kuminga.

It's complicated and tangled.

Kuminga's camp has repeatedly rejected the Warriors' offers (such as 2 years for $45 million, 3 years for $75.2 million), with the main dispute centered on contract structure.

The Warriors insist on includinga team option(to facilitate future trades) and demandthe waiver of trade veto rights, treating Kuminga as an asset rather than a core player.

Kuminga requestsa player option or trade veto rights, emphasizing control over his career and feeling that the Warriors have hindered his development over the past four years.

For example, the latest offer of 3 years for $75.2 million (with the third year as a team option) was rejected; Kuminga's camp said they would sign immediately if it were changed to a player option.

As a restricted free agent, Kuminga's unsigned status locks the Warriors' salary cap, preventing them from officially signing veterans like Horford and Melton.

These players' verbal agreements cannot be finalized due to the salary cap being tied up.

It is important to note thatOctober 1 (U.S. time) is the deadline for Kuminga to decide whether to accept the qualifying offer.

He can renegotiate with the Warriors, but if no decision is made by October 1, the Warriors can proactively adjust their offer. According to the collective bargaining agreement, the Warriors may then offer Kuminga any amount, from minimum salary to max contract, or no offer at all (the qualifying offer deadline can be extended until March 1).

Kuminga remains a restricted free agent, with the Warriors holding matching and signing rights.

In other words, Kuminga must decide before October 1, but currently, the deadlock persists.

The current situation is that the Warriors and Kings have resumed trade talks centered on Kuminga, but Monk's contract remains the main obstacle.

Monk holds a player option worth $21.5 million for the 2027-28 season, which conflicts heavily with the Warriors' future salary flexibility plans.

Therefore, it is highly likely that a third party will need to be involved to take on Monk's contract.

Notably, Butler organized an informal mini training camp in San Diego this week, with Kuminga the only Warrior player absent.

This is understandable since his contract isn't settled yet; participating would be awkward even if he attended.

At this stage, there are no winners.

Even if Kuminga ultimately stays, the rift will remain...

The Warriors currently have six open roster spots for the new season.

According to team reporter Kawakami, the Warriors plan to signHorford, Melton, Payton Jr., and Seth Currybefore the players' reporting day on Monday local time (September 30 Beijing time).

Even if Kuminga delays again, the Warriors will proceed with these signings.

Finally! The Warriors' offseason is about to kick off...

There are five days left until the team's media day and training camp start.

Seeing these signings, my first thought was:"Golden State's big stage welcomes the old and the short..."

If Kuminga doesn't stay, the Warriors will likely be the NBA team with the weakest overall athleticism next season, turning into a senior activity center in the Bay Area...

However, for GM Dunleavy, there is no other choice.

At this point, it's unlikely to sign top players; why bother offering to Simmons or Fultz? That wouldn't be much better...

Given that, signing familiar players makes sense.

Melton, Payton, and Seth Curry are all former teammates, especially Seth, who not only has a reliable shooting touch but also a connection with Stephen Curry...

And veteran Horford was previously agreed upon and is a very high basketball IQ player.

Warriors fans can only comfort themselves with:"With these players together, the team's chemistry shouldn't have major issues..."