Signing five players in a row, the Warriors' offseason has finally begun.

The Warriors' situation this offseason is unlike anything seen before.

As other teams' training camps approach and the preseason draws near, the Warriors still only have nine standard contracts and one two-way deal officially signed. These ten players are:

Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, Moody, Hield, Pogemski, Santos, TJD, Poole, and Jackson-Roa (two-way). In theory, the Warriors can still sign six standard contracts and two two-way contracts, adding up to eight more players.

However, as everyone knows, due to the tug-of-war involving Kuminga, the Warriors have been forced to delay until now. Because once they use salary space to sign others, other teams could offer Kuminga a contract the Warriors cannot match, causing them to lose him for nothing.

Regarding Kuminga, I've mentioned this many times this offseason. So far, Kuminga still hasn't reached an agreement with the Warriors; it seems more likely he will sign a qualifying offer. With only a few days left until the deadline, a result should be expected soon.

However, today the Warriors officially reached verbal agreements with several free agents they had long negotiated with. According to Shams, Horford, Payton Jr., and Melton have all agreed verbally with the Warriors. Additionally, the Warriors signed this year’s second-round pick Will Richardson to a four-year contract, fully guaranteed for the first two years. The two-way contract was given to this year’s 52nd pick Tushie.

These three had been agreed upon for a while, but some always worried about potential backouts. After the verbal agreements, this matter is almost settled, since not every player is like PJ Washington, who breaks trust.

The Warriors’ roster now has 13 players. Adding potential signee Seth Curry and Kuminga if he accepts the qualifying offer, the Warriors’ 15-man roster will be full. While maintaining last season’s core framework, the Warriors have strengthened by adding Horford and Melton, which definitely counts as reinforcement.

It is confirmed that 39-year-old Horford will be the Warriors’ starting center next season, which was also one of his conditions for joining. In his final Celtics season, Horford played 60 games, averaging 9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with a 36.3% three-point shooting percentage.

In the playoffs, Horford’s contribution was also significant, averaging 31.6 minutes, 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 47.2% overall and 40% from three-point range. While LeBron is said to be rejuvenated, Horford’s endurance against younger players is often underestimated.

I always thought Horford would retire with the Celtics, but switching teams late in his career shows he believes he still has plenty of fuel left and deserves a more important role. Of course, the Celtics only offering him a minimum contract was part of the reason.

The final contract amount between the Warriors and Horford hasn't been decided yet. If Kuminga ultimately signs the qualifying offer, Horford's salary will be higher. What is certain is that the Warriors have made Horford a very sincere offer, possibly a multi-year deal.

Horford's playing style has always fit well with the Warriors’ system. His outside shooting ability has not declined with age; in fact, it seems to improve, as evidenced by his 40% three-point shooting in the playoffs.

Horford’s playmaking at the top of the key, combined with Draymond, creates a dual threat from that spot, greatly expanding the Warriors’ offensive spacing. At the same time, Horford’s switching defense aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ defensive philosophy, and he is certainly more reliable than Poole or TJD.

Of course, the obvious concern is Horford’s age. The Warriors’ confirmed four-man starting lineup includes Curry at 37, Draymond at 35, Butler at 36, and Horford at 39. Together, they total 147 years, averaging 36.75 years old. Can you imagine that Draymond is actually the second youngest starter on the team?

Payton Jr.’s return to the Warriors is reasonable. Looking across the league, only the Warriors can offer him so many opportunities, and only Coach Kerr can utilize him effectively. His guard physique and inside play style, along with his cuts, always bring surprises, and he occasionally hits three-pointers too.

Melton’s re-signing is also a significant reinforcement for the Warriors. Last season, Melton played only six games before suffering a major injury and leaving the team. However, in those six games, his fit with the Warriors was evident. If I recall correctly, the Warriors’ defense was strong in those games, and Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Including Seth Curry, the Warriors’ outside shooting will be further strengthened. Seth’s career three-point percentage is even higher than his brother’s. The brothers playing together near the end of their careers is quite a story.

From Butler last season to Horford next season, the Warriors’ management is clearly doing their best to help Curry keep the championship window open in the twilight of his career. About his upcoming seventeenth season, Curry said:

“Next season will be my 17th, and I truly believe I can still perform at my peak and win at the highest level.”