Jonathan Kuminga‘s situation with the Golden State Warriors doesn’t appear close to a resolution, as both parties have failed to agree on terms. Given the Warriors’ offer, it is evident that Kuminga believed he was undervalued, especially in light of reports that he believes he’s on par with Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Ron Kroichik revealed that Kuminga considered himself on par with Cunningham and Barnes, expecting to be valued similarly. He wrote:
“Five of the six players selected ahead of Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 NBA draft, and the one taken directly behind him, already got their bag… He apparently thinks he’s at the Cade Cunningham–Scottie Barnes level, where he should get that type of contract. It’s really a quandary. I think it’s bad for the Warriors and bad for him.”
The 2021 NBA Draft featured several talented players, with Cunningham headlining the class as the No. 1 pick. As Kroichik mentioned, of the six players ahead of Kuminga, five had signed massive extensions, with the only exception being Josh Giddey.
Considering that Kuminga and Giddey are effectively in the same boat, it is understandable why the Warriors forward might be frustrated. However, in comparison to his contemporaries, the 22-year-old doesn’t possess the individual accolades to be considered on par with them.
Both Cunningham and Barnes have established themselves as franchise players.
The Pistons star is coming off a breakout year. Having earned his first All-Star selection last season, the 23-year-old followed this accomplishment up by leading Detroit to its first playoff win since 2008. With an average of 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game last season, he is arguably one of the best point guards in the game.
Meanwhile, Barnes has also been impressive. After winning the ROTY, the Raptors forward quickly established himself as the franchise cornerstone. Although he hasn’t had much success in leading the team to the playoffs, it has been abundantly clear that he is worth building a team around.
Barnes earned his first All-Star appearance in the 2023-24 season. Although he didn’t receive the nod last season, his overall performance was consistent. For the 2024-25 season, he posted an average of 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
As a player, Kuminga has every right to believe he stands toe-to-toe with the other players in his draft class. As one of the most talented young forwards in the game, he certainly boasts a high ceiling for growth. Unfortunately, his lack of individual achievements, along with his limited impact on the Warriors as a whole, weakens his case for a max-level contract.
The possibility of a trade for the 22-year-old appears to be bleak at this stage. Instead, it seems more likely for him to accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer to play out the season and enter free agency next summer.
