Warriors await Kuminga in free agency; Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets make moves

SAN FRANCISCO – As free agent bombshells have been dropped every few minutes and high-impact trades have lit up the social media timeline on the first day of NBA free agency, the Warriors are yet to participate in the team-building bonanza.

In the first 24 hours since teams were able to officially negotiate with free agents starting at 3 p.m. Pacific on Monday, Golden State’s only move thus far was not re-signing longtime big man Kevon Looney, an unrestricted free agent who reportedly agreed to a deal with New Orleans on a 2-year, $16 million deal.

With restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga expecting offers in the range of $25 million per year from other teams – the Warriors can either match, facilitate a sign-and-trade, or let him walk – Golden State is in a holding pattern.

The Warriors have $139 million tied up in the Big 3 of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, and will have limited cap space to work with if they want to avoid overspending penalties.

Golden State has been linked to stretch big Al Horford by multiple media outlets, but is yet to make a move. While the Warriors have been stuck in neutral, it has been full speed ahead for many of the top teams in the Western Conference.

After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Warriors in seven games, Houston has spent the last few weeks revamping its team.

The Rockets traded for former Warrior Kevin Durant while dumping NorCal native Jalen Green and Golden State nemesis Dillon Brooks. They also signed forward Dorian Finney-Smith, brought back Clint Capela, and handed Jabari Smith Jr. a $121 million extension.

They also agreed to a new $50 million contract with point guard Fred VanVleet, and agreed to a deal with center Steven Adams.

The Rockets have been the most active franchise thus far, but they are far from alone.

After knocking the Warriors out of the second round and subsequently losing to Oklahoma City in the conference finals, Minnesota re-upped its power forward rotation of Julius Randle and Naz Reid to contracts totaling $225 million.

LeBron James activated his $52 million player option, setting up a full season alongside Luka Doncic until James’ agent, Rich Paul, released a cryptic statement that sparked rumors James was seeking to force his way out despite accepting the cash.

Across town, the Clippers will add stretch big Brook Lopez, agreed to a new two-year deal with future Hall of Famer James Harden and resigned Nic Batum for $11.5 million over two seasons.

The reigning champion Thunder are on the verge of signing MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a $285 million supermax extension, and have brought back reserves Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell for a combined $32 million.

In the Rocky Mountains, Denver agreed to swap unapologetic gunner Michael Porter Jr. for a more well-rounded forward in Cam Johnson, brought back defensive stopper Bruce Brown on the veteran minimum and traded Dario Saric for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas.