Restricted player Jonathan Kuminga is in no rush to sign the latest contract offer from the Golden State Warriors, as reported to Alofoke Deportes after a training session in Miami. Kuminga’s contract situation with the Warriors could extend significantly throughout the summer, as the player explores other options.
General Manager Mike Dunleavy and the Warriors’ management have shown great interest this week in talks with Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, attempting to offer a proposal they consider fair to ensure the player’s continuity for a fifth season. However, Kuminga has not found the presented offer attractive, which has stalled negotiations and could affect the Warriors’ operations in this offseason.
The Warriors are the only NBA team that has not yet signed or traded any players this summer.
Before the start of free agency, the Warriors and Kuminga did not exchange contract figures. Turner has been looking for “sign-and-trade” opportunities, with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings showing interest, according to league sources.
Both teams are staying out of the negotiations, trying to reach agreements with the Warriors, but without success. The Warriors are looking to avoid adding salaries they consider unfavorable, they want a promising young player and demand a first-round pick in any “sign-and-trade” deal. For their part, Phoenix does not have any first-round picks to negotiate.
The restricted free agent market has been cold due to the lack of salary cap space in the league. The Warriors anticipated this situation and believe they offered Kuminga the highest starting salary available, hoping he would accept their most recent proposal. However, Kuminga did not, and his team will continue to look for “sign-and-trade” opportunities. They also have the option of the qualifying offer.
Kuminga has a one-year offer of 7.9 million dollars that the Warriors can no longer withdraw. He has until October 1st to accept it. If he opts for this route, Kuminga would give up 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 long-term career. His team is seriously considering this option.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have been cautious about not closing other personnel deals until resolving Kuminga’s situation, maintaining as much financial and roster flexibility as possible. They have outlined some clear plans. The Warriors are looking for a veteran shooter at the center position and have identified Al Horford as their main target. They also have mutual interest in De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry as bench options. Everything depends on Kuminga, the most important matter of the summer for the Warriors. In addition to contractual demands, Kuminga seeks a more consistent starting role and prominent opportunities, something that both the Suns and the Kings have offered. Kuminga would be an important part of the Warriors’ rotation at the beginning of next season, and they will need his scoring ability in the games in which Stephen Curry or Jimmy Butler rest. Coach Steve Kerr has spoken with Kuminga about this in recent weeks. Kerr has been one of the main voices trying to resolve this situation. However, Kuminga no longer wants to be a secondary option or a backup plan, fearing minimization in important moments. Kuminga scored 18, 30, 23 and 26 points in the last four playoff games against the Minnesota Timberwolves after Stephen Curry was injured. But he was also completely out of the rotation in the first round against the Houston Rockets, a painful memory that influences his current mentality. Therefore, Kuminga will continue to seek a fresh start during the summer.
