For a few hours this summer, Warriors fans dared to dream: maybe they could snag a veteran guard to back up Curry. The hopes grew stronger once the Knicks re-signed Landry Shamet. Both Shamet and the Warriors’ target Malcolm Brogdon were on the Knicks’ radar, and it seemed like New York had seemingly made its choice despite still needing a backup for Tyler Kolek. With the Knicks out, Golden State’s main competition for Brogdon appeared to be the Timberwolves. However, barely a day later, the Knicks flipped the script.

NBA insider Jake Fischer had earlier reported that “We won’t know if the Warriors emerge with more serious interest in Brogdon until the state of their roster and luxury tax bill becomes clear in the wake of a resolution to Kuminga’s fate”. And what people feared came true. According to Shams Charania, Malcolm Brogdon has officially signed with the Big Apple for one year, putting the Warriors in further trouble.

All of this traces back to one man: Jonathan Kuminga. The 22‑year-old restricted free agent has been in a contract standoff with Golden State all summer, tying up cap space and preventing the front office from signing anyone else. As CBS Sports noted, the Warriors have been stuck in a “self-inflicted purgatory,” the only NBA team yet to make an official signing this offseason.

Brogdon, a former 6MOTY, could have helped provide backup scoring behind Stephen Curry while also adding more veteran experience on the Warriors. Despite an injury-shortened season that limited him to just 24 games with the Wizards, Brogdon still managed to put up 12.7 points and 4.1 assists per outing. His reputation as one of the league’s most efficient guards, cemented by his place in the rare 50-40-90 club, spoke for itself.

Brogdon’s long been valued for his perimeter defense and ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes, precisely the qualities Golden State’s bench was lacking. A guard comfortable on or off the ball, capable of steady shot-making and dependable defense, Brogdon looked like a seamless fit for the Warriors given his experience and versatility. But those dreams are now spoiled.

This was probably an outcome the front office could foresee, given that they haven’t been able to act on any of their potential additions. Every potential move, from bringing back Gary Payton II to courting Champ Horford or De’Anthony Melton, has been on hold.

It’s gotten so bad that veteran free agents are now openly waiting for answers. Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area reported that Horford, Melton, and company are “quietly pleading for clarity” on the Kuminga saga. They were all ready to join the Warriors, deals were “lined up,” but none will sign on until they know what Kuminga is doing. So, the team needs to find a solution to the JK situation first. Currently, he is heading to accept an $8 million qualifying offer, taking control of his future from next season onwards.

The Warriors did offer an extension. But they insist on the second year to be a team option. Because of his sporadic role throughout the tenure, Kuminga is unwilling to hand over his future control to the organization. The ramifications of holding out are slowly beginning to show their colors now. Missing out on Brogdon might only be a start.

Should the Warriors still make that inside bet?

With Brogdon no longer an option, Golden State is back at square one in its search for backcourt help. There are still Melton, Payton II, and Seth Curry waiting, players who fit both their budget and rotation gaps. But for now, the Warriors’ offseason has felt unusually quiet. Much of the uncertainty comes down to Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation. Until that is resolved, no one really knows how much financial flexibility the Warriors will have to chase free agents. Whether Kuminga accepts the extension or gambles on himself with the qualifying offer, either decision will directly shape the team’s spending power.

Of course, Golden State may decide to roll the dice on internal growth rather than adding more veterans with lengthy medical histories. That would mean betting on Moses Moody making another leap, trusting Brandin Podziemski to stabilize the second unit, and hoping Draymond Green can stay healthy across a long season. It’s a patient approach that could pay dividends, or one that leaves them falling further behind as the Western Conference only gets deeper.

If the Warriors do stand tall, their margin for error shrinks dramatically. Still, every setback matters: a Draymond suspension, a nagging injury, or Moody and Podziemski proving not quite ready. In a conference loaded with contenders, even small cracks could quickly widen the gap between Golden State and the rest of the West.