West Notes: Warriors, Al Horford, Nuggets, Tim Hardaway Jr, Mavericks

Al Horford’s two-year contract with Golden State — worth the full taxpayer mid-level exception and featuring a second-year player option — also includes a 15% trade kicker, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The veteran big man will become trade-eligible on Jan. 1, three months after he officially signed. Meanwhile, as Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron points out, Jonathan Kuminga remains a name to watch once he becomes trade-eligible on Jan. 15. Because the Warriors are up against a hard cap, any deal would have to account for Kuminga’s trade kicker. But the lack of base year compensation restrictions will make it easier to move him during the season than it would have been via sign-and-trade. For example, a direct swap involving Kuminga and the Kings’ Malik Monk (with draft assets) would now be cap-legal, something that wasn’t possible in July. Tim Hardaway Jr. had interest from three or four teams in free agency but chose Denver in part because of the new faces on the coaching staff. As he told Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, the presence of J.J. Barea and Jared Dudley — both of whom he worked with in Dallas — gave him added comfort. “It gives you more confidence,” Hardaway said. “Jared Dudley was my assistant coach in Dallas for years, so he knows what I can do on and off the floor.” After starting 77 games in Detroit last season, Hardaway is now on a minimum deal and will likely lead the Nuggets’ second unit. He’s embracing the role. “Sulking and being upset is just being an energy drainer,” he said. “I want to lift guys up, take them to dinner, get the team together. Whatever it takes.” Dallas has signed swingman Dalano Banton, waiving camp invitee Matthew Cleveland to create roster space. Banton, 25, was the 46th pick in 2021 and has logged 216 career games with Toronto, Boston and Portland. He averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 assists and 2.0 rebounds last season, shooting .391/.324/.728. His deal is expected to be non-guaranteed and may include Exhibit 9 or 10 language. Banton will compete with Brandon Williams and Dennis Smith Jr. for the 15th roster spot, though joining camp a week late could make that tough. If waived, he’d be a candidate to play for the Texas Legends and earn up to $85,300 in Exhibit 10 bonuses.