The Jonathan Kuminga situation has been more complicated for the Warriors with each passing day. From new teams showing interest in him to never-ending contract negotiations. The decision on what to do with Kuminga has halted all other moves for the Warriors.
There were reports last season that claimed the Warriors had discussed a potential contract with Kuminga, but the 22-year-old reportedly rejected the offer at the time. Now, his agent, Aaron Turner, clarifies that these reports were never true. Even if the Warriors had internally discussed this offer, he claims such an offer was never presented to his client.
“NO one on our side was turning down 30M a year. Our camp is smarter than that. Narrative makes no sense, twisted up Slater’s words, I think! #Fakenews”
There have been rumors that Kuminga’s camp has demanded a contract in that range itself, approximately $30 million a year. Meanwhile, the Warriors seem to be adamant on an approximately $20 million a year price tag for him.
Therefore, it is naturally baffling to him that reports claim Kuminga was presented with the offer and rejected it, even when he wasn’t even given the offer. The restricted free agent averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in the regular season last year.
Midway through last season, Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga’s rift became public. Ever since then, it has been unlikely that Kuminga signs an extension with the Warriors.
The Warriors are now looking for a potential sign-and-trade deal for Kuminga if he finds a team willing to match his demands, which insiders feel is unlikely. The Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls are names that have come up in rumors of interest in Kuminga. But neither of the teams seems to be offering a player that the Warriors are interested in.
If there is no solution to this situation, then Kuminga will be forced to return to the Warriors, as they had extended a qualifying offer to him worth $7.9 million. As a result of this, Kuminga could become a free agent in 2026.
The question now remains: what will Kuminga do? Will he find a team that can match his demands? Make a compromise on his demands to accept a $20 million per year offer to get traded away from the Warriors? Or accept his qualifying offer and prove his worth to the league by performing for the Warriors next season?
While a Warriors return seems unlikely, as his camp has reportedly claimed he is not interested in returning, with each passing day, it seems to become the likeliest conclusion to this saga.
