The Golden State Warriors continue to navigate contract talks with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, though it appears the long-running discussions could be nearing an end.
With Cam Thomas accepting his $5.9 million qualifying offer — and reportedly turning down a two-year, $30 million deal — Kuminga could be headed down a similar path. The Warriors offered the promising young forward a two-year, $45 million deal this offseason, but he was seemingly not interested in the team option attached to the second season.
While the Warriors could slightly adjust that offer to appeal to the 22-year-old, it seems more likely he’ll bet on himself and accept his $7.9 million qualifying offer. Doing so would grant him a no-trade clause ahead of unrestricted free agency next summer.
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Jonathan Kuminga ‘prepared’ to accept Warriors’ qualifying offer
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints recently analyzed the restricted free agent market following Thomas’ decision, and he believes Kuminga is likely to follow suit.
“If the Warriors were to slightly alter this two-year proposal, giving some leverage back to Kuminga in the form of a player option or guaranteed money, then perhaps a compromise could be reached,” he wrote. “There haven’t been any indications suggesting that the Warriors are thinking of changing their offer, and unless they do so over the course of the next week, Kuminga is prepared to end talks and accept his qualifying offer, league sources said.”
Although Kuminga was reportedly seeking a long-term deal in the $25-$30 million per year range, the Warriors never matched the salary or the length he wanted. Now, the former No. 7 overall pick appears ready to play out his offer and explore free agency next offseason.
Kuminga doesn’t seem to see a future with the Warriors and has struggled to carve out a defined role, especially in the playoffs where his minutes have been inconsistent. If he hits the open market, he’d likely command a lucrative deal and step into a featured role elsewhere.
Golden State may now have to prepare to lose him for nothing, as an agreement between the two sides appears unlikely.
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