Warriors Start Free Agency Move With Unexpected Signing

Warriors Start Free Agency Move With Unexpected Signing

Getty

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

The Golden State Warriors have made their first free-agent move of the summer.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, the Warriors agreed to a deal with swingman Taevion Kinsey, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, citing league sources. Terms of the agreement were not immediately available.

Kinsey, 25, spent last season in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars, the affiliate of the Utah Jazz, and earned recognition this summer as a selection to the NBA G League United Team for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in September. He previously signed both 10-day and two-way contracts with Utah during the 2024 season.


From Marshall Star to G League Mainstay

The 6-foot-5 wing went undrafted in 2023 after a decorated career at Marshall University, where he left as the program’s all-time leading scorer. In his fifth and final year with the Thundering Herd, Kinsey averaged a career-best 22.1 points, 5.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals, while shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc.

That production carried over into the G League, where Kinsey became a steady presence for the Stars. In 34 games last season, he averaged 12.3 points on 51.9% shooting, along with 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Golden State entered the week with only nine players on standard contracts and one two-way slot filled by forward Jackson Rowe. It remains unclear whether Kinsey’s deal is for training camp or a two-way contract, but he is a long shot to begin the season on the Warriors’ primary roster. Instead, he could spend additional time with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League if retained.


Veterans Still on the Radar

Kinsey’s signing marked the Warriors’ first step in free agency, but the franchise continues to pursue veterans who can bolster a roster still adjusting to major changes. Golden State has been linked to several established players, including Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II, according to multiple reports. Guards Seth Curry and Malcolm Brogdon have also been connected to the Warriors in recent weeks.

NBA insider Jake Fischer of “The Stein Line” reported that Golden State also holds interest in veteran wing Cody Martin.

Warriors Start Free Agency Move With Unexpected Signing

Getty Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Cody Martin.

The Phoenix Suns waived Martin in June to ease luxury-tax pressure.

Martin, the twin brother of Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin, split his time last season between Charlotte and Phoenix. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals. Known for his defensive energy, Martin has struggled from deep, hitting just 28.5% from 3-point range last season and 30.8% for his career.

“Martin has received interest from numerous playoff teams this summer but is said to be waiting to see whether an opportunity with Golden State proves to be his most attractive option,” Fischer reported.


Horford Could Anchor the Frontcourt

The biggest potential addition remains Horford, who is considering his playing future after winning a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024. According to Fischer, the 39-year-old could potentially receive a two-year contract with a player option, possibly worth up to the full taxpayer mid-level exception.

With longtime center Kevon Looney heading to New Orleans, Horford would immediately step into a major role. He could pair with Draymond Green in the frontcourt, while also mentoring younger big men Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post.

Warriors Start Free Agency Move With Unexpected Signing

Getty Al Horford of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks.

ESPN’s Anthony Slater described Horford as the “presumed starting center” if he joins the Warriors, citing his ability to defend, facilitate and stretch the floor. Last season, Horford averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds, while shooting 36.3% from 3-point range. He raised that mark to 41.9% during Boston’s postseason run, helping space the floor on the way to a title.

For now, the Warriors have finally broken their offseason silence with the addition of Kinsey. But the real test of their summer will come in whether they can secure a veteran anchor like Horford — or another proven contributor — to help steady a roster in transition.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo

 

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