The Golden State Warriors remain stuck in limbo amid their negotiations with Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors are reportedly eyeing flexibility ahead of the summer of 2027, when Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo could become free agents.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, one of the reasons why the Warriors have not entertained a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings for Jonathan Kuminga is flexibility. Malik Monk, the rumored player going to Golden State in a potential deal, has a player option for the 2027-28 NBA season.
In addition to that, the Warriors will also need to trade either Moses Moody or Buddy Hield to stay below the luxury tax for the first apron. Amick reported that Golden State, along with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, is monitoring the situation in Denver and Milwaukee.
“They want to maintain maximum flexibility for that 2027 summer (as it stands, they only have Moody’s $13.4 million and Hield’s $10 million player option on the books by then). The Warriors, who are well aware that Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Denver’s Nikola Jokic both have player options for the 2027-28 season, are hardly alone on this star-hunting front. High-profile teams like the Lakers and Clippers have sent similar signals in recent months,” Amick wrote on September 17.
Jokic and Antetokounmpo are considered two of the best players in the NBA today. There haven’t been indications that “The Joker” wants out of Denver, and he’s likely to sign an extension next summer, as per Keith Smith of Spotrac.
Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, is a more interesting case since there was a lot of talk of a potential trade request this offseason before the Milwaukee Bucks found a way to improve their roster.
Free Agents Waiting on Jonathan Kuminga Resolution
A handful of veteran free agents are being affected by the contract situation between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors are expected to sign Al Horford, Gary Payton II, DeAnthony Melton and Seth Curry once the two sides eventually agree on a resolution, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.
The Warriors‘ latest offer to Kuminga is reportedly a three-year, $75.2 million deal with a team option for the final season. However, the player’s side wants to get rid of the team option and an annual salary in the range of $30 million.
Sam Amick of The Athletic included in his report on September 17 that Kuminga is more likely to accept the qualifying offer worth $7.9 million. It gives the 22-year-old forward control next offseason when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, as well as a no-trade clause this upcoming season.
But if Golden State can guarantee the third season of their latest offer, Kuminga and his representatives could change their minds.
Suns and Kings Still Interested in Jonathan Kuminga
Despite the Golden State Warriors‘ reluctance to trade Jonathan Kuminga, the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings are still interested in the young player. Shams Charania and Anthony Slater revealed the offers made by the two teams in their long ESPN report about the situation in the Bay Area.
The Suns offered Royce O’Neale and multiple second-round picks, while the Kings‘ deal centered around Malik Monk and one protected first-round pick. Both teams are also ready to sign Kuminga to a long-term deal.
Warriors Want Flexibility for Possible Pursuit of 2 Former MVPs