The Golden State Warriors are in a bit of a holding pattern here in late April, and if it feels a bit like the team is more than a little in need of some clear direction, there’s little doubt that folks at just about every level of the organization would agree. The team does not know whether coach Steve Kerr will return–that’s the most pressing matter at this point–nor does it know what (if any) impact that will have on players like Stephen Curry or Draymond Green. The NBA draft lottery still needs to be sorted, and the Warriors would surely like to know if they have a crack at landing the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard in a trade, of LeBron James in free agency.
It’s a long list. But no matter what happens, the Warriors will need as much flexibility as possible. That’s why two other key decisions should be factored in for the team: the player options on De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford.
“Those two guys could be important for what they want to get accomplished this summer,” one Western Conference executive said. “They’re not throwaways. They’re roster spots and they’re trade pieces that you can lose. So, all those decisions, they’re pretty important.”
Warriors Free-Agent Decisions Looming
Around the NBA, the expectation is that Melton, even as he is coming off of an ACL surgery, will opt out of the final year of his contract, valued at $3.5 million. Melton struggled with his shooting, but still averaged 12.3 points in 49 games, and remains an effective defensive piece.
Horford is a trickier situation. He struggled with health issues, too, this season, with an injured back followed by an injured calf, and was limited to 45 games. But he was a nice fit for Kerr’s offense when he was healthy, and his decision could be based on whether Kerr returns.
If it is a financial decision for Horford, the chances are he stays put, with $5.9 million on the books for 2026-27.
“If it is a money thing, De’Anthony Melton will opt out and is probably going to do that anyway because he can get that money ($3.5 million) pretty much anywhere,” the exec said. “But Al probably won’t because I don’t know that that money is out there for him, with the injuries and he turns 40 (in June). Look, Al might say, ‘I want to win and I am not gonna win here,’ and go take a minimum deal somewhere. But he’s probably in his best situation where he is.”
Al Horford to Be Patient With Decision
Horford did address his future when the Warriors wrapped up their season with exit interviews. he told reporters he is going to be patient on figuring out what’s next.
“For me, it has to do with not rushing to anything or not letting emotions or heat of the moment determine anything,” Al Horford said. “I’ve done this the last few years and it’s taking time to step back and have a clear picture. Look at the outlook of the team and where I’m at and how I’m feeling. Fortunately for me, I’m healthy and feel good. I still feel like I can contribute and play at a very high level still. Those are all things that I’m going to look at and now that everything gets quiet, it’s something I’ll reflect on, all that.”
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