The Jonathan Kuminga situation has put virtually everything on hold for the Warriors this offseason. The 22-year-old rising star is reportedly making demands beyond what the Warriors are willing to pay him. Which seems to have put every move on hold for them in free agency.
Now, according to the NBA Insider Brett Seigel, the Warriors player would prefer not to return to the Warriors and wants to go elsewhere if his demands are not met. He has claimed this earlier in the season as well, but now, after multiple discussions and negotiations with the team, it seems likely that Kuminga has played his last game in a Warriors jersey.
“Kuminga’s camp wants a big deal in the $30M+ range and doesn’t want to be back with the Warriors. Golden State wants a small deal in $20M range where they can flip him because there’s no market. Dubs are still holding out that an S&T with the Bulls can happen. Ayo Dosunmu is a good player.”
This decision did not sit well with fans as they were conflicted over whether Kuminga deserves the $30 million he is demanding. Some believed he is a starting-caliber player who deserves that contract, while some believe he is not in a position to make such demands.
“Is any team actually offering JK anything close to $30M? Seems absurdly overpriced.”
“Hate to say it.. but he’s worth $30M & a starting position”
“I f**k with JK but he/his agency can’t possibly believe his value is 30+ a season, without having any accolades, signature wins, or season-long production to justify that. Players with his resume/skill got that 30 in a previous version of the CBA. Not this current one.”
“No one is paying JK $30mm. He’s lucky to get $20mm. Most likely a 2yr/$40mm with a player option in year 2.”
“Can’t shoot 3s, doesn’t play defense, 12ppg, what am I missing?”
“He needs new agents; he is good, but not 30Ms good.”
“I hope he gets his money.”
Jonathan Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from beyond the three-point line in the 2024-25 regular season.
In my opinion, Kuminga is being unrealistic to hold out for an offer like $30 million per year. Seeing his depleted role with the team in Jimmy Butler’s presence, he cannot become the third-highest-paid player on the team, even above Draymond Green, the four-time NBA champion, with still a few years left in his career at a high level defensively.
It was rather unfortunate that Kuminga agreed to become a restricted free agent at the time of his rookie contract signing. If he were a free agent at the moment, he might realize that even then, he is in no position to demand more than $25 million in the market. The $20 million figure was a more trade-friendly number for the Warriors, but realistically feels hard to see a team match his demands at the moment.
