The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga’s representation are sharing a cell in Restricted Free Agent jail. Conversation is sparse, according to league sources. No knowing when they can begin the remodel they hope will allow them to compete in the NBA’s wicked Western Conference.
Golden State’s priority targets, center Al Horford and guard De’Anthony Melton, remain available and that’s unlikely to change. There is internal belief that the Kuminga impasse, once resolved, will result in a satisfying conclusion. Three weeks in, though, nothing.
Meanwhile, most of the West has been furiously re-arming for the war that begins in October. Here is how the West, in order of 2024-25 seeding, looks as of the morning of July 22:
Oklahoma City Thunder
They began last season with the youngest roster in the league, achieved the No. 1 overall seed and finished with an NBA championship. With no significant additions necessary, general manager Sam Presti secured the future with contract extensions for core players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Status quo in OKC, which is plenty good.
Houston Rockets
It was quite a feat to earn the No. 2 seed in the West with a starting lineup that includes Dillon “All Fury, No Fire” Brooks, and the Rockets knew it. So, they replaced him with legendary scorer Kevin Durant. They re-signed Steven Adams and signed free agents Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith. This team has nine players with wingspans of at least 7 feet. They’re better.
Los Angeles Lakers
Despite a seismic midseason shift, swapping Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, the Lakers snagged the No. 3 seed without legitimate perimeter defense or a productive center. They addressed those needs by signing Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton off the buyout market. Luka will be much more settled. If LeBron’s body holds up at age 41, they could be slightly better.
Denver Nuggets
They entered the playoffs with interim coach David Adelman, with three games on his resumé. With Nikola Jokić getting scant help, they gave OKC a seven-game war in the conference semifinals. Swapping Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson is a win. Adding depth in Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas are wins. They should be better.
Los Angeles Clippers
After folding in the postseason, the response is to retool with a roster built to win it all five or six years ago. Seriously, though, they’ve added outside shooting (Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal for Norm Powell), general production (John Collins) and, in Chris Paul, an assistant coach who can provide quality bench minutes in the postseason. Yeah, they’re better.
Minnesota Timberwolves
After reaching the conference finals (aided by Stephen Curry’s hamstring misfortune), the Wolves whimpered against OKC. Julius Randle and Naz Reid return with new contracts, but there are no free agents or no trades. Having lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker, they’re going to need bumps from Terrence Shannon and Rob Dillingham. Status quo, top-four potential.
Golden State Warriors
With their intraconference foes circling like a hyperactive shiver of sharks, they’ve lost Kevon Looney and are staying patient on the deck of a boat they hope to remodel into a yacht. Forecast TBD.
Memphis Grizzlies
They re-signed Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama. Ja Morant still is on board. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ty Jerome are solid pickups, but they’re going to miss the elite shooting of Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard. They’re asking a lot of youngsters Jalen Wells and Cedric Coward. Cast changes don’t always mean improvement. Expect a dip.
Sacramento Kings
Ahh, the Kangz. Picked up options on Keon Ellis and Isaac Jones. New faces in the front office are bobbing about the league for help, and adding Dennis Schröder at the point is an adventure. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan can score. Domantas Sabonis rebounds and generates offense. They’re going to miss Trey Lyles. Fighting for a play-in berth.
Dallas Mavericks
Here comes Cooper Flagg, all of 18 but primed to make an impact for the Mavs. Out goes Spencer Dinwiddie, in comes D’Angelo Russell, now reduced to a floor spacer. Kyrie Irving is re-signed but expected to continue rehab deep into the season. They’ll be interesting if Davis stays healthy (roll of the dice), they’ll be a strong play-in candidate.
Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker picked up a phat extension, but Durant and Beal were replaced by Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, the only benefit being youth and enough financial flexibility for upstart governor Mat Ishbia and his new front office to recover. Last season was a disaster, an unexpected gap year, but this season’s gap year is fully anticipated.
Portland Trail Blazers
After a 13-28 first half, they rode a top-five defense to a 23-18 mark in the second half. Adding elite defender Jrue Holiday should push that momentum into next season. First-round pick Yang Hansen, at 7-foot-1, looks more playable than anticipated. With even a middling offense, opponents will have to sweat to earn what once was an easy W. They’re better.
San Antonio Spurs
Rookie Dylan Harper is nice, and Luke Kornet is a productive backup big man. But the return of Victor Wembanyama, second-year Stephon Castle and a full season with De’Aaron Fox lifts the Spurs from popular nightly upset pick to a squad ready to take your lunch. With good health, the play-in tournament is this team’s floor.
New Orleans Pelicans
Big makeover the last six months, with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum departing for the likes of Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney and Saddiq Bey. The new front office has tasked coach Willie Green with turning a variety pack into a winner. If Zion Williamson stays healthy (roll of the dice) and Dejounte Murray returns (more dice) … nah, the play-in tournament will be a triumph.
Utah Jazz
Remember when Danny Ainge lived to rob fellow general managers? Well, as CEO, he’s playing a befuddling game of “What’s My Vision?” Good luck, Ace Bailey. Represent well at the 2026 draft lottery.
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