Warriors Secure Jonathan Kuminga with Qualifying Offer
The Golden State Warriors have officially extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to Jonathan Kuminga, making him a restricted free agent. The news was confirmed by sources close to the situation on Saturday. Kuminga, selected with the 7th pick in the 2021 draft, is a priority for the Warriors heading into free agency, which begins on Monday. The Brooklyn Nets are the only team that can offer Kuminga a starting salary of $20 million or more. The Warriors have the right to match any offer and can also explore “sign-and-trade” options. Kuminga’s future could influence the Warriors’ decisions in free agency and how they will surround Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green with more support. The Warriors are looking for a center, more shooting ability, defense, and playmaking. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last season, participating in 47 regular season games. He missed 31 games due to an ankle injury. Upon his return, Kuminga, the most athletically explosive player on the Warriors, averaged 24.2 points with Curry out in the last four games of Golden State’s loss to Minnesota in the second round of the playoffs.Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II, two key players for the Warriors, are also free agents. Dunleavy stated that the Warriors will be “in the mix” in the trade market in search of opportunities to improve the squad. “We have some free agents who are a priority,” Dunleavy commented. “We have to deal with that. But some of those things can lead to trades and other things.” “… I think with our strategy group and salary cap, those guys are really good. It’s hard to say, honestly, what’s out there and what could happen [in the transfer market]. But we will definitely be in the mix. I think we’ve shown a history of doing that.”“I think we’re in a good position on it, honestly,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told reporters about Kuminga. “… I’d like to get something resolved as soon as possible. That would be great. But I also recognize that with restricted free agency these things can drag out a little bit and take some time. I think we feel pretty comfortable with who JK is as a player and what he can do for our organization, and he’s a top priority heading into free agency.
Mike Dunleavy Jr.
