Jonathan Kuminga, a 2024 restricted free agent, is at the most important juncture of his career. His deadline for a qualifying offer is quickly approaching as well. The Warriors have made multiple lucrative, long-term standing offers to the young forward, but talks between the two sides have hit a stalemate. As of today, little if any momentum is evident to getting a deal done before the start of the team’s first practice on Tuesday.
The Warriors have proposed three outstanding offers, including two lucrative options: a two-year deal worth $45 million and a three-year contract valued at $75.2 million. Both deals include team options for the last year. Kuminga has reportedly pushed back on such trades without lucrative financial compensation in return. Burns confirmed the Warriors have been more firm than other teams about nabbing a no-player-option clause in any deal. They are implacable in their defense of this stance.
Kuminga’s decision must be made before Wednesday night at 11:59 p.m. ET, when his qualifying offer of one year for $8 million will expire. This concession amounts to his best bargaining chip currently on the table. Should he choose not to accept the Warriors’ proposals, he would be willingly foregoing an additional $15.3 million in potential earnings next season.
Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been in contact with Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, as they strive to reach an agreement. Kuminga was not on the trip to San Francisco over the weekend. As a consequence, he will miss Monday’s NBA media day, amplifying the already chaotic uncertainty surrounding the situation.
For whatever reason—politics, pragmatism, or vibe—this is the route that leaves the Warriors adding Kuminga as the 14th player on their roster. His unique contract structure is potentially key to how the team adds that 15th player. In salary cap terms, this helps them remain under the second apron. These negotiations are going to be very important for Kuminga’s career. Equally important as the above point is their importance to the Warriors as they build their roster for 2023-24.
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