The front office confirmed commitments for Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton and has been tied to a multiyear agreement with veteran center Al Horford, plus rookie contracts for second-rounders Will Richard and a two-way for Alex Toohey; all moves that overlap the Kuminga timeline.

Horford checks every box. Even in his age-38 season in Boston a year ago, Horford still played at a borderline All-Defense level. He's shot over 39% from 3-point range since returning to Boston in 2022.