The Golden State Warriors have had a quiet offseason as they navigate contract talks with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
The club has reportedly explored sign-and-trade opportunities for the promising young forward, though Kuminga has yet to agree to the two-year, $45 million deal the Warriors offered him. Until that happens, the Warriors are unlikely to make any offseason moves. They appear to be the leading candidate to sign veteran big man Al Horford but have yet to do so due to the Kuminga situation.
Kuminga is expected to seek a deal in the range of $30 million annually, so it’s no surprise he hasn’t accepted the club’s initial offer, which included a team option, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
“But Golden State, sources say, is not open to amending its stance on the second year of the two-year, $45 million offer it has extended to the 22-year-old swingman,” Fischer wrote. “The Warriors are insistent that Year 2 is a team option; Kunminga would naturally prefer a player option.”
MORE: Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade could impact Russell Westbrook’s next team
Kuminga can still accept his $8 million qualifying offer and bet on himself ahead of unrestricted free agency next offseason. However, he isn’t necessarily guaranteed significant playing time with Golden State.
On the other hand, the Warriors risk losing him for nothing if he accepts his qualifying offer and enters free agency next summer. Golden State could compromise with the 22-year-old and convert the team option to a player option, giving him the ability to find a new deal elsewhere next summer. Additionally, his higher salary would make him a more valuable trade asset.
Several teams are expected to hold interest in Kuminga if he’s eventually made available via a sign-and-trade agreement, making a compromise with the former No. 7 overall pick the Warriors’ best path forward.
MORE NBA NEWS:
