Former NBA champion 'comfortable waiting' as Warriors stalemate delays potential signing

The Golden State Warriors are the only team in the NBA not to add at least one new face to their rotation this summer. The front office has been locked in negotiations with Jonathan Kuminga, who is currently a restricted free agent.

As such, Golden State's plans to strengthen Steve Kerr's rotation have been paused. And as a result, Al Horford has been forced to remain patient. The veteran big man is currently an unrestricted free agent and is widely expected to sign with the Warriors once the Kuminga stalemate reaches a conclusion.

According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, Horford has no problem waiting for the Warriors to resolve their current issues. 

"Horford is comfortable waiting," Slater reported. "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...The Warriors can't rely on him to be an every-night 25-minute option. But the desire is to have him in the lineup when it matters and open up space for five-man combinations." 

Golden State has been in need of a stretch five for years. Horford is just 12 months removed from winning an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics. This past season, he shot 36.3% from three-point range on 5.2 attempts per game. When you factor in his positionally versatile defense and ability to guard in space, he projects as the ideal addition to Kerr's rotation. 

The Warriors have been lucky that Horford is in no rush to sign a new deal. If this had been a few years earlier, their dilly-dallying would likely have cost them one of the most reliable veterans in the NBA. Fortunately, with his career coming to an end, Horford appears to be in no rush to commit to another year of NBA grind. 

However, once a contract is put in front of him, and the chance to share a locker room with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler becomes a reality, it shouldn't take long for the ink to dry. 

Unfortunately for Warriors fans, there isn't a timeline on when that day will come. The only one who knows that answer is likely Kuminga.