Steve Kerr, Warriors
Getty
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sits on the bench before their game.
A new name has emerged on the Golden State Warriors’ radar as the team navigates the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga contract standoff, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
“Another name on the Warriors’ list of bench targets, sources say, is Cody Martin,” Fischer wrote in “The Stein Line” newsletter on Aug. 22.
The Phoenix Suns waived Martin in June in a salary dump to get out of the NBA’s second apron, and the veteran swingman is reportedly weighing his options.
“The veteran swingman 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 … or if it’s better to let the season start and see what opportunities arise after training camps begin,” Fischer added.
Cody Martin, Buddy Hield, Warriors
Getty Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Cody Martin.
The 6-foot-5 Martin, twin brother of Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin, split last season between Charlotte and Phoenix, averaging 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game. While he provided defensive energy for the Suns after their midseason trade, Martin’s 3-point shooting remains inconsistent, connecting on just 28.5% from deep last season and 30.8% for his six-year career.
Horford Leads Free-Agent Targets
Golden State has also been linked to Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry and Malcolm Brogdon, though Horford is the only free agent expected to receive an above-veteran-minimum deal.
“Al Horford’s situation is a bit different because, depending on where the Warriors land in a cap tax situation, I believe he could make upwards of the full taxpayer mid-level exception,” Fischer said Aug. 20 on Bleacher Report’s Insider’s Notebook. “There’s also discussion of a potential two-year deal with a player option, which would be beneficial for Horford, who was considering retirement following Boston’s championship run in 2024.”
The Warriors anticipate Horford will play a major role in the rotation with Kevon Looney departing for New Orleans and younger frontcourt players Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post rounding out the roster.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater called Horford the “presumed starting center” for next season. “Horford would slide in as the presumed starting center, lessening the regular-season load on Draymond Green,” Slater wrote. “His ability to pass, defend and shoot from the center spot fits well into the Warriors’ system.”
Last season, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while making nearly two 3-pointers per game on 36.3% shooting. During Boston’s 2024 championship run, he averaged 8.6 points while shooting 41.9% from deep.
Trey Murphy Trade Target Remains on Table
Trey Murphy III, Warriors
Getty Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts to making a basket in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors.
In addition to free-agent pursuits, the Warriors continue to target Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans via trade, Fischer reported.
“Sources say that the Warriors have a strong affinity for Murphy and have made outreach to New Orleans as recently as this summer,” he wrote. “Yet sources say that the Pelicans, to be clear, have batted away calls for the 25-year-old, valuing him highly. The two-way forward will be playing on a contract in 2025-26 at precisely $25 million, as desirable as his talent.”
While Golden State waits to see if the Pelicans will reconsider, resolving the Kuminga situation remains the team’s more pressing challenge, with all offseason plans hinging on how the restricted free-agent saga plays out.