According to Shams, the Golden State Warriors have finally kicked off their own official offseason operations by signing Horford, Gary Payton II and Melton back-to-back.

Shams wrote in an editorial, "Free agent Al Horford has signed a multi-year contract with the Warriors, his agent confirmed to ESPN. Horford, who played seven seasons for Boston over the past nine years and helped lead the team to a championship in 2024, will enter his 19th NBA season as the Warriors' starting center."

"Free agents Gary Payton II and De'Anthony Melton have committed to return to the Golden State Warriors. Both players are now confirmed to be on the Warriors' roster for the 25/26 season."