The Golden State Warriors face a pivotal moment in their preparations for the upcoming NBA season as they engage in contentious contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. With only a few days left before the expiration of his qualifying offer, the matter turned very serious. Kuminga’s absence is a sore spot for the team’s overall roster depth. When they walk into their first practice on Tuesday, they will only have 11 players to practice.
Jonathan Kuminga’s impressive play In the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga was picked seventh overall. So far, he’s rejected the Warriors’ last two proposals, 2 years and $45 million, 3 years and $75.2 million. Aaron Turner, his agent, recently explained to ESPN why a player option is so valuable for Embiid. He’s convinced that it would get Kuminga more locked in and tuned in if the Warriors choose to extend that offer. As it has gone on, the negotiations have become fraught. This is largely due to the club options attached to the last seasons of both proposed contracts.
With Kuminga’s one-year, $8 million qualifying offer deadline approaching this Wednesday, it may be one of the biggest decisions Kuminga has to make. If he were to sign this offer, he would lose the opportunity to make an additional $15.3 million next season. Still, he’s going to get a no-trade clause and the ability for unrestricted free agency in 2026 with at least ten teams that have cap space.
Kuminga’s contract situation has created ripples throughout the organization, affecting not only his status but that of teammates Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, who are unable to finalize their contracts amidst these negotiations. The Warriors will be whip-lashed at their opening practice. Not just Kuminga—there were other players they passed on that, if acquired, would be better fits and balance the roster immensely helping with chemistry.
These changes are big enough that veteran stars like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler have weighed in on them. Recently, Curry expressed confidence in Kuminga’s commitment, stating, “I heard from JK he’ll be committed when he gets here.” This underlying premise speaks to the faith that this group of teammates has in their ability to move past this contractual irritant.
Draymond Green acknowledged the challenges posed by Kuminga’s absence, noting, “That will be a distraction, and that will suck. Because usually as a vet, you can slide to the back and let [the younger players] get a couple more reps. You don’t get that privilege.” Green remained optimistic that the situation would resolve itself soon enough, saying, “I don’t expect this to go on too much longer.”
Even with that big uncertainty hanging over their heads, though, Green encouraged them to focus on making it about practice and being ready. “I don’t think anyone is winning a championship the first few days of practice,” he remarked, highlighting the necessity of maintaining perspective amid distractions.
And the Warriors get ready for their first practice, Tuesday. Most importantly, they are still laser-focused on accomplishing their smart goals for the season. Kuminga’s contract negotiation is inarguably the largest distraction the team faces. If there’s any silver lining from this, Curry emphasized the need to answer all questions we can about Kuminga’s predicament. He said, “Everyone’s going to have a question. The honest conversation, the real conversation is going to take place once I get off this microphone and I’m in the locker room with those players. Those conversations will help determine what our mentality is as we go into this year.”
Leave a Reply