Warriors Offer Jonathan Kuminga 3-Year, $75.2 Million Contract After Rejecting Kings And Suns Trade Deals

The Warriors won’t trade Jonathan Kuminga, but their team-friendly offer raises questions about loyalty, leverage, and his long-term future.

4 Min Read

Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are doubling down on Jonathan Kuminga’s future, even as their contract negotiations remain tense and trade chatter has circled all summer. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the Warriors have offered Kuminga a three-year, $75.2 million contract with a team option in the third season, a deal worth $48.3 million guaranteed over the first two years.

The proposal is notable not only for the dollar figure but also for the structure. Golden State wants to retain full control with a team option and the waiving of the inherent no-trade clause, something Kuminga’s camp has resisted from the start.

While the $21.7 million annual salary matches the market value of comparable young players like Josh Giddey, the lack of long-term security has been the sticking point. The only fully guaranteed offer the Warriors have made is a three-year, $54 million deal, well below what Kuminga and his representatives believe he’s worth.

Golden State’s front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., has been firm in its stance. They rejected sign-and-trade frameworks involving the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings earlier in the offseason. 

Phoenix reportedly offered Royce O’Neale and second-round compensation, while Sacramento floated a package centered on Malik Monk and a future first-round pick. Both deals would have given the Warriors immediate rotation help and draft capital, but ownership, particularly Joe Lacob, has been unwilling to part with Kuminga at this stage.

The Warriors’ gamble comes at a fascinating crossroads for the franchise. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and new addition Jimmy Butler nearing the twilight of their careers, Golden State is caught between chasing another title now and grooming Kuminga into the star they believe he can become. 

Lacob has long been one of Kuminga’s strongest advocates, even overruling others in the front office and coaching staff during the 2021 draft to select him seventh overall. That loyalty has helped Kuminga stay put through trade rumors, but his own patience appears to be wearing thin.

Kuminga’s camp has countered with proposals that prioritize player control, including a shorter one-year “bridge deal” that would boost his salary above the $8 million qualifying offer and allow him unrestricted free agency next summer. The Warriors dismissed that option, viewing it as too risky, since it could leave them with nothing in return if Kuminga walks.

Meanwhile, Kuminga remains confident in his trajectory. He broke through during last season’s playoffs, becoming the youngest Warriors player since Jamaal Wilkes in 1975 to record three straight 20-point games. His athleticism, scoring bursts, and defensive versatility make him a valuable piece, even if head coach Steve Kerr has at times questioned the fit alongside Curry, Butler, and Green in crunch time.

For now, the Warriors’ offer sits on the table: big money, but team-friendly control. Kuminga’s response will define whether this is a temporary standoff or the start of an inevitable split. And with rival teams still circling, the question lingers: does Golden State truly want Kuminga as part of its future, or are they simply waiting for the right moment to trade him?

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

Share This Article
Follow:
Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *