The Golden State Warriors have shown some gallantry in extending a qualifying offer of $7.9 million to Jonathan Kuminga. This move renders the seventh-overall pick from the 2021 draft a restricted free agent. This move comes as the Warriors prepare for the upcoming free agency period and consider how to build a competitive team around stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Kuminga made a huge impression in his first season, averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 47 regular-season games. His performance was not without challenges. Retrospectively, his biggest obstacle came when an extreme ankle injury caused him to miss 31 straight games. His absence greatly affected his starting spot in the rotation. Because of that, he relinquished his position as head coach Steve Kerr’s starter late in the season and through the postseason.
Even with these issues, Kuminga’s playing time surged during the playoffs as injuries knocked out key players, including Curry himself. In the final four games of Golden State’s second-round loss to Minnesota, he averaged an impressive 24.2 points, showcasing his potential as one of the Warriors’ most athletically explosive players.
Tendering a qualifying offer would mean that the Warriors would retain Kuminga’s rights. This decision will ultimately prove paramount in determining just how they choose to attack their third and final free agency period. The Brooklyn Nets are the most obvious destination, as the only such team willing to offer him a starting salary of $20 million or more. That places even more pressure on his long-term status with the Warriors.
Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. sounded pretty darn optimistic about that doing down.
“I think we’re in a good spot with it, honestly.” – Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Dunleavy recognized negotiations had a chance to drag out longer than expected, particularly given how RFAs go.
“I’d like to figure something out sooner than later. That would be great. But I also acknowledge with restricted free agency these things can drag out a little bit and take some time.” – Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Additionally, he mentioned the desire to focus on other free agents first which could affect upcoming trades and player acquisitions.
“We’ve got some free agents that are priorities. We’ve got to handle that. But some of that stuff may lead into trades and other things.” – Mike Dunleavy Jr.
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