The Golden State Warriors have spent all summer locked in a stalemate with Jonathan Kuminga. The 22-year-old forward wants security and control. Golden State wants flexibility. With training camp less than two weeks away, one former player is weighing in — and siding with Kuminga.
On Thursday’s edition of his Club 520 podcast, Jeff Teague, who played 12 seasons in the NBA, explained why Kuminga is right to push for a three-year contract with a player option.
“He doesn’t want a team option. Who wants a team option when they’re that young, honestly?” Teague said. “You don’t want a team option in your deal. You want a player option. You want to be able to control your destiny.”
Teague argued that a player option would give Kuminga the freedom to test the market if he outperforms expectations — while still providing security if things go sideways.
“If you have a good Year 1 and a good Year 2, you want to be able to opt out and get a new bag,” Teague continued. “But if I have a great year and I have a team option, they’re going to bring me back on that same year at lower money. … You want to be able to have that option to get out of there.”
Why the Warriors’ Contract Structure Is the Sticking Point
The Warriors have made multiple offers this offseason, including a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option and a three-year, $75.2 million proposal with the same stipulation. Each time, Kuminga’s camp pushed back.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania, owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy even flew to Miami in August to meet with Kuminga and agent Aaron Turner in an effort to break the deadlock. The core issue remains the same: Golden State wants a deal that can be moved at the trade deadline if necessary. Kuminga wants stability and the ability to control his next step.
Teague made clear why he believes Kuminga’s stance is justified. “He’s trying to solidify that money for two years and then be able to move on because he knows he’s going to play well,” Teague said. “But he also wants to know, like, ‘If I’m not playing well … y’all can’t just cut me [during] that third year. I got a choice to come back if I’m not playing well.’”
Golden State’s Roster Moves Stuck in Limbo
The stalemate isn’t just about Kuminga — it’s freezing the rest of Golden State’s offseason plans. ESPN reported that Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green have already reached out to Kuminga to check on “his plans and his mindset.” Meanwhile, multiple veteran signings are waiting on hold.
The Warriors have reportedly lined up deals for Seth Curry, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, but none can be finalized until Kuminga’s situation is resolved.
Al Horford Gary Payton II De’Anthony Melton Seth Curry
Golden State’s vets know of these discussions which is why they aren’t frazzled by the inactivity.
(via @ShamsCharania, @anthonyVslater)
For now, the standoff continues. Golden State doesn’t want to lose a young player for less than they believe he’s worth. Kuminga doesn’t want to commit to a deal that locks him into being a trade pawn. Training camp is looming, and both sides are running out of time to decide how this partnership will move forward.
Former All-Star Guard’s Bold Take on Kuminga’s Warriors Future