Jonathan Kuminga, a promising wing for the Golden State Warriors, has officially ended a 92-day contract standoff with the team. The 25-year-old swimmer has inked a two-year contract valued at $48.5 million. That’s a massive leap from his initial qualifying offer of $7.9 million. Though he did feel a little bit squeezed into the team option contract structure, Kuminga said he was happy with how everything ended up.
The 20-year-old forward made headlines recently when he opted to change his jersey number to No. 1 for the upcoming season. Kuminga’s decision to delay participation in five-on-five summer scrimmages until after finalizing his contract reflects his commitment to ensuring that all details were settled before fully engaging in training activities. Most significantly, he elected against going to a minicamp that had been created by NBA star Jimmy Butler in San Diego.
In the lead up to the negotiation phase, Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, aggressively pursued sign-and-trade scenarios. In particular, they looked at teams such as the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns. Ultimately, they found a resolution with the Warriors, allowing Kuminga to focus on the upcoming season.
Whatever is to come, Kuminga said he was prepared for it. He promised to be a game changer on offense and defense. This commitment goes a long way in countering past criticism that he only cares about offense.
“If it’s on defense, if it’s an assignment, just go guard the best player,” Kuminga stated.
After participating in half of Thursday’s scrimmage session, head coach Steve Kerr noted that Kuminga looked fine, indicating that he is ready to integrate fully into the team’s plans. After the scrimmage, Kuminga spoke with local reporters and discussed the roller coaster of his contract saga.
“Finding a way to help us win on both ends. Defense, offense, find a way to be a piece that’s going to help us win games and hopefully a championship.”
Kuminga highlighted his immediate objectives for the season, emphasizing his commitment to contribute effectively:
“I’m here now. That’s everybody’s goal, to be somewhere for longer. You never know your future. So far that’s my goal. That’s what I want to accomplish. Being here for longer,” he remarked.
As the Warriors move onward and upward into this new season, Kuminga’s attention is still fully on helping the team win as much as possible.
“Today we need you to score. Today we need you to guard certain people. That’s what I’m looking forward to and I’m open-minded to it.”
As the Warriors prepare for the new season, Kuminga remains focused on his role within the team.
“I would say so. Based on me being back here. At the end of the day, let’s see where this takes us. But my focus is this year pushing and actually helping us win,” he concluded.
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