The Golden State Warriors are not yet ready to close the book on their saga with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. While both reports from Anthony Slater and Shams Charania, as well as Kuminga’s agent’s own comments have hinted that the situation is coming to an end, the 22-year-old has yet to sign a deal with the Warriors.
Most recently, as the season quickly approaches, Golden State was urged to stand firm on its offer to Kuminga, hoping he signs a deal to at least quell what has been the franchise’s biggest storyline of the summer.
“Resisting the urge to not grant Kuminga his wish might prove a brutal decision for the Warriors to make, particularly with the possibility that the former seventh overall pick could make things uncomfortable entering the season,” Peter O’Keefe wrote for Fansided.
The deadline for the Warriors‘ signing Kuminga to the $7.9 million qualifying offer would be October 1. With just a week to go before that date, the franchise was urged to convince the wing player to take a deal for the franchise to shift its focus to the upcoming season.
Kuminga Stalemate Continues, But Could Be Over Soon
The sentiment that the Warriors should stand firm on their offer to Kuminga comes after NBA insider Marc Stein gave an update as to how he believes the situation will end.
I tend to believe Kuminga will ultimately accept the Warriors‘ three-year offer — provided it is still on the table — rather than attempt to play out next season on the one-year qualifier,” Stein wrote.
Slater and Charania previously reported Golden State offered Kuminga three different deals: three years for $54 million, three years for $75 million with a team option, and two years for $45 million, none of which he has signed yet.
But if he does take the qualifying offer for next season, Kuminga would potentially be giving up more than $50 million. The hope for him would be that he’ll prove valuable enough for an even bigger deal after next year, but with no guarantees, it remains a risk.
“Kuminga and his camp certainly won’t be happy if they’re forced to take the team option, but many would see it as a far better alternative than gambling on the qualifying offer and entering unrestricted free agency in 2026,” O’Keefe added.
In the end, Kuminga wants the biggest deal he can get, with the knowledge that he’ll take on a bigger role for whichever team offers him that contract. The Warriors would like to keep the young star, but for a price that doesn’t impact their roster plans, topped by Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
As things stand, Kuminga expects to stay with Golden State, but the deal he signs comes down to how strongly the franchise digs its heels. He has already caused headaches for the front office this summer, and they’ll want a solution as soon as possible.
Warriors Ready To Move Forward
While Kuminga’s contract negotiations continue to unfold in a very public manner, the rest of Golden State’s roster, as well as the front office, are now looking towards the upcoming season.
As reported by Stein, “Warriors veterans are expected to convene for a mini-camp of their own later this week before training camp officially opens.”
Curry, Butler, and Green have all reportedly asked Golden State to ‘meet Kuminga’s requests,‘ but as of now, they have shifted their focus away from the polarizing wing and to what they hope will be their fifth championship run since 2015.
Stein also reported that, once or if a Kuminga deal gets signed, the Warriors expect to sign a heap of players to fill out their roster.
“There is a strong expectation leaguewide now that the Warriors will also be signing Seth Curry in addition to Horford, Melton, and Payton II,” Stein added. “Golden State currently has six roster spots open. It’s believed they will be filled by Horford, Melton, Payton, Seth, second-round pick Will Richard, and, of course, Kuminga.”
In what is a positive sign for a Warriors team that has been stagnant over the summer, Curry was recently named the best American player in a survey by ESPN. He ranked ahead of Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell despite entering his 17th season at 37 years old.
(Via @TimBontemps )
Golden State remains behind top teams in the West, like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, in terms of title contention, but if they keep Kuminga, their stars, and add the expected free agents, their roster can compete with any team in the NBA.
Warriors Urged To Make Tough Decision On Jonathan Kuminga