Golden State Warriors power forward Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency is suddenly jeopardizing their roster-building.
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The 6-foot-8 pro, 22, has yet to agree to a new deal with the team, despite Golden State allegedly increasing its initial offer from a two-season, $45 million contract (with a team option in Year 2) to a three-season, $75.2 million agreement, per Shams Charania of ESPN. There’d be a team option in the final year of the deal, meaning that only two years and $48.3 million would be fully guaranteed.
Charania noted that even the more lucrative new potential agreement would essentially include “a subliminal understanding that the contract is more trade asset than commitment to a partnership,” with Kuminga and the Warriors both apparently ready to move on from each other after four seasons.
3 scenarios for Kuminga
Golden State sources confirmed to Sam Amick of The Athletic that Kuminga’s offer had indeed been increased.
Amick lays out the three contract possibilities for Kuminga at this point in a new piece.
In the first hypothetical, Kuminga could accept a one-season, $7.9 million qualifying offer prior to the October 1 deadline, which would essentially give him a no-trade clause and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next year — and control his own destiny.
Aaron Turner, Kuminga’s agent, has indicated that the former lottery pick is leaning towards this qualifying offer scenario unless Golden State guarantees the third year of the deal.
Per Amick, another possibility is that Kuminga could take “one of the updated Warriors offers” that’s been tendered his way and tries again to carve out a consistent lineup role. Again, this seems to hinge on the third year of the deal.
Golden State has thus far rejected multiple sign-and-trade offers for Kuminga’s services from rival teams. According to Amick, the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings are both still interested in Kuminga. Perhaps the Warriors will re-engage in these talks, after already ending negotiations this offseason.
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