Restricted player Jonathan Kuminga is in a holding pattern regarding the signing of his contract with the Golden State Warriors, according to the player himself. This situation could extend throughout much of the summer, while Kuminga explores other options.
The Warriors’ management, led by Mike Dunleavy, has presented an offer they consider fair to secure Kuminga’s continuity for a fifth season. However, the player has not shown interest in the proposal, which has stalled negotiations and put other team operations on hold.
The Warriors are the only NBA team that has not yet finalized any signings or trades in this period. During the conversations prior to free agency, no contract figures were exchanged. Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, has been looking for “sign-and-trade” opportunities, with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings showing interest.
Both teams remain on the periphery of the negotiations, trying to reach agreements with the Warriors, but without success. The Warriors are looking to avoid unfavorable salaries and prefer a promising young player, as well as a first-round pick in any “sign-and-trade” deal. The Suns do not have a first-round pick to offer.
The market for restricted free agents has been limited due to the scarcity of salary cap space in the league. The Warriors anticipated this situation and believe they have offered Kuminga the highest starting salary available to him.
Although the team was optimistic about their latest offer, Kuminga did not accept it. His team will continue to look for “sign-and-trade” opportunities in the hope of finding a solution. They also have the option of Golden State’s qualifying offer.Jonathan Kuminga is seeking a more consistent starting role and greater opportunities on the team, according to sources.
Kuminga has a valid offer for one year and $7.9 million that the Warriors cannot withdraw. He has until October 1st to accept it. If he opts for this option, Kuminga would forgo a portion of the immediate money, but would return with an expiring contract and a no-trade clause, which would give him the most control over his professional future.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have avoided closing any other personnel operations until Kuminga’s situation is resolved, seeking the greatest possible financial and roster flexibility. The team has clear plans.
The Warriors are looking for a veteran shooter at the center position and have identified Al Horford as their main target. Horford is considering retirement, but the Warriors are believed to be the favorites to sign him.
The Warriors are also interested in De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry as bench options. Melton impressed in the six games he played with the Warriors last season before suffering an injury. They see him as a good fit in the backcourt alongside Steph Curry, and have identified Seth Curry, Steph’s brother, as a necessary shooter for the bench.
Everything depends on Kuminga, whose contract is the key point of the summer for the Warriors. In addition to the contractual demands, Kuminga is looking for a more consistent starting role and greater opportunities.
Kuminga would be an important part of the Warriors’ rotation at the start of next season, and the team would need his scoring ability in the games in which 37-year-old Steph Curry or 35-year-old Jimmy Butler rest.
Coach Steve Kerr has spoken with Kuminga about this in recent weeks and has been one of the main voices trying to resolve the situation.
However, Kuminga no longer wants to be a secondary option, fearing minimization in important moments. He scored 18, 30, 23, and 26 points in the last four playoff games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, after Curry was injured. But Kuminga did not get minutes in the rotation in the first round against the Houston Rockets, a painful memory that influences his current stance. Therefore, he will continue to seek a fresh start in the summer.
