Kuminga and the Warriors: A Contractual Crossroads
Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Golden State Warriors hangs in the balance, according to statements from his agent, Aaron Turner. The player’s contract situation is at a critical point, with Kuminga willing to accept the $8 million qualifying offer if current proposals are not improved.
“There’s a lot of potential. He wants to choose where he wants to go. So the qualifying offer is real, for sure.”
Aaron Turner, Jonathan Kuminga’s agent
The Warriors have presented Kuminga, 22, with three different structures. The most attractive is a three-year, $75.2 million deal, with a team option for the third season, guaranteeing Kuminga $48.3 million in the first two years. He has also been offered a two-year, $45 million contract with a team option in the second year, and a three-year, $54 million contract without options.
So far, Kuminga has rejected all offers, requesting that the Warriors convert the team option into a player option, which he would sign.The Warriors have refused to include a player option in any offer and have not commented on the status of negotiations.
Turner argues that, in order to keep Kuminga happy and valued, the option should be granted to the player.
If Kuminga signs the qualifying offer, he would forgo more than $40 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, but would obtain unrestricted free agency next summer and an inherent no-trade clause.
Kuminga has been exploring his market, with the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns showing aggressive interest. However, they have not managed to finalize trade offers that convince the Warriors.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. mentioned that the team was in a “good position” with Kuminga, but that hasn’t resulted in a deal.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob met with Kuminga in August to try to resolve the contract dispute, but negotiations remain stalled.
The key for Kuminga is to get a player option in the contracts offered, or for the Warriors to raise the annual amount towards $30 million.
