The Golden Gate Bridge on the Warriors’ logo seems to have broken this offseason. On one end, Jonathan Kuminga stands, stubborn to bag something bigger than what the franchise has. And on the other end stands Stephen Curry’s dream to win the fifth NBA championship. Now for that ring to come around, the Dubs need Butler and Green. And if they want to trade JK, they must show flexibility in the players’ roles. Surprisingly, this isn’t just about the 22-year-old  forward anymore. Because amidst the storm stands the 59-year-old Steve Kerr.

He has a few paths open before him. However, the question remains, which one will Kerr take? Last season, he had shown complete faith in JK, stating that he needs him on the team and that he wants to coach him. But as the season progressed, the cracks deepened. Kerr wanted JK to pass the ball to Curry when he’s open. But looks like the youngster wanted to score points in that game vs. the Trail Blazers later in the 2024-25 season.

And after turning down a $150 million 5-year extension last summer, the forward has once again turned down a $45 million, 2-year contract. And reports say that he’s been out of touch with the Golden State Warriors for weeks now. But you see, Steve Kerr has a fresh face before him. Away from the whole “exchange JK for Malik Monk at Sacramento” drama, Alex Toohey waits for his opportunity.

The second-round pick sees himself blending seamlessly into a roster stacked with future Hall of Famers. Better yet, he has a direct line to two Australian basketball greats whose bond with the organisation runs deeper than most fans realise. Like, Andrew Bogut carved out several strong seasons in a Warriors jersey, leaving his mark on the Bay. Meanwhile, Luc Longley shares a lasting bond with head coach Steve Kerr, a friendship born during their Chicago Bulls days in the 1990s. “Both were quick to reach out,” Toohey told ESPN, on Bogut and Longley. “Luc basically just said [Kerr] was one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, and he obviously knows what he’s talking about…”

Speaking with ESPN, the 21-year-old clearly stated he is locked in with the best lot. “The list of teams that were interested in me, I think I got the best of the lot,” he said. “Obviously [there’s] the Australian connection there, and the way they play. It’s something I think I’ve learned a lot before even knowing I’m going to be a Warrior: learning how they play, studying their schemes, their offenses and defenses.”

Well, Steve Kerr and company have the roster on ice until the Kuminga puzzle clicks into place. All the while, they are dancing under a hard cap and dodging those pricey tax aprons. Meanwhile, Toohey’s Summer League crash course saw him log six games, averaging 6.8 points, 3.8 boards, and 21.6 minutes. However, his 26.2 percent shooting begged for kinder rims.

“It was tough,” Toohey further mentioned. “The athleticism is obviously another level, and the pace of the game. Especially the Warriors; we had one of the highest-paced offenses. And it felt like that. We’d be pretty gassed after a few minutes of getting up and down. We felt that wore teams down, and that put us in some games we maybe shouldn’t have been in. That’s definitely one part of it. Then, figuring out that: I got drafted for a reason. They obviously see things in me, and believe in me, so it’s just finding that internal confidence and being able to make a play in transition, or make a three when it comes your way.”

And while the new addition to the Golden State Warriors roster seems promising, the front office wants a veteran to take the lead. Sure thing, Al Horford hasn’t left the conversation, but when he will join Kerr’s starting line remains a mystery. Meanwhile, an even bigger doubt looms in the shadows, and that is about retirement. Horford is 39, and who knows, he might slip away before the Dubs bag him.

Steve Kerr & Co. might have to change their plans

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Al Horford may still hang up his sneakers, yet the Warriors believe he will choose the Bay instead. The catch? Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency has the entire offseason in a holding pattern. One move could unlock everything, and Golden State is waiting with intent.

“Those around the league continue to ticket Al Horford to the Warriors when the free agency dust ultimately settles,” Slater wrote. “The Kuminga situation continues to hold up business for them, keeping Horford in a holding pattern. But Horford is comfortable waiting. Retirement remains on the table, sources said, though the Warriors appear to be operating as if he is a firm part of their plan next season.”

Horford’s Boston chapter has closed after four seasons, with the Celtics confirming no reunion for the Florida veteran. At 39, he played 60 games last season, posting 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks, shooting 42.3%, 36.3%, and 89.5%. A five-time All-Star and 2024 champion, he holds career averages of 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He has played for Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and Oklahoma City.

The Warriors stand on the edge of a season that could swing either way. One side holds the promise of fresh legs in Alex Toohey, the other the wisdom of Al Horford—if he joins at all. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga’s fate keeps the Bay in suspense. Every decision now feels like the one that could shape everything.