Usually, on a media day, there is an opportunity for fans to watch their favorite team’s new signings in new threads. But for the Warriors, nothing like that is expected. It is well-documented that the Warriors had a very quiet and frustrating offseason owing to the Jonathan Kuminga drama. And now, with no resolution in sight, the Golden State Warriors and Steve Kerr have taken an unusual step.

In one of the rarest events on media day, the Golden State Warriors have announced that neither Steve Kerr nor G.M. Mike Dunleavy will be taking the podium. This is highly unlikely to be seen as the usual expectation is for the head coach, General Manager, and some players from the roster to take up a few questions from the media present.

This decision comes on the back of ESPN’s Shams Charania’s announcement that Jonathan Kuminga will not attend the Warriors’ media day. According to the recent reports, the Golden State Warriors offered three contracts to Kuminga: a two-year $45 million deal (second year, Team Option), a three-year $75.2 million deal (third year, Team Option), and a three-year, and a three-year $54 million deal. However, Kuminga’s agent disclosed that due to the team not offering a Player Option, there is no agreement between the parties.

Another factor that is also being pointed out is the complicated relationship between Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga. Last season, during the playoffs, Steve Kerr did not play Jonathan Kuminga until Steph Curry’s injury in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the past as well, there have been plenty of reports from Kuminga’s camp about Jonathan “losing faith in Steve Kerr.” Although there have been reports that Steve Kerr called and convinced Jonathan to re-sign, there has been no positive progress.

All this delay with Jonathan Kuminga’s contract also had a ripple effect on the Warriors’ other offseason moves as well. In fact, since a few hours ago today, they were the only team without making any moves in the free agency. The delay was to make sure that the Warriors can navigate the salary cap with Jonathan Kumona, or whoever they acquire after signing and trading Jonathan Kuminga. However, with just a day remaining before the training camp starts, the Golden State Warriors have finally made some moves.

Golden State Warriors Confirm First Offseason Signing

In the midst of the Jonathan Kuminga contract drama, the Golden State Warriors finally seem to be moving on with the assumption that Kuminga will be back on a one-year $8 qualifying offer. And now, they have gone ahead and confirmed their first signing of this season. However, this signing is a familiar name to the Dubnation as it’s none other than their beloved “Young Glove”, Gary Payton II. According to the report, he has re-signed with the Warriors on a veteran minimum.

But that wasn’t all, the Golden State Warriors also made official the signing of Pat Spencer (two-way contract), Alex Toohey (two-way contract), and Will Richard (four-year contract). ESPN’s Shams Charania also announced that veteran center Al Horford and defensive guard De’Anthony Melton have also committed to sign with them. Although these deals were a big rumor in the league, getting confirmations from the league’s top sources means that, as long as there are no medical issues, the deal is signed.

Per the rumors, these deals will be announced after the deadline for Jonathan Kuminga’s contract signing (October 1) has passed. Whether or not Kuminga decides before that remains to be seen. But the fact remains that if he does return to the team, Steve Kerr will need to navigate the situation so that the team can compete for a championship. Will Steve Kerr manage to lead the Steph Curry-led team to its fifth championship or not? That remains to be seen.