The Golden State Warriors have been embroiled in a tumultuous offseason saga involving their young forward, Jonathan Kuminga. Amid problematic contract negotiations, Kuminga has stated that he does not want to return next season. However, Warriors owner Joe Lacob reportedly feels otherwise.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Lacob told Kuminga that he wished to see the forward be a part of the Warriors’ organization for a long time. She said:
“I do think the Warriors see him [Kuminga] as somebody who’s, if he wants to call it, a building block, I don’t know if I would call it that, but somebody they want around for a long time, because they have 35-year-olds on their team. I know the owner, Joe Lacob, has told him this. He loves Jonathan Kuminga. He is the reason that they’ve never included him in trades, because they see the potential in him.”
While this would be a positive sign under any other circumstances, the Warriors haven’t necessarily had the best line of communication with the forward, leading to growing frustration on both sides.
With the decision involving the 22-year-old having a direct impact on Golden State’s offseason moves, Warriors fans were particularly annoyed with this report.
As some fans took to social media to share their reactions, we took a look at some of them on X.
“Weird given all the offseason drama,” said one confused fan.
“This s**t is so messy, dawg, oh my god,” added another.
One user addressed the situation by joking, “Not based on the offered contract.”
Another responded, “Show him the money then.”
“Trying to butter him up with compliments instead of actually paying him,” added another fan.
“Do something, not only say something,” stated another annoyed fan.
“God Lacob has been awful since he got rid of Jerry West,” claimed one user.
One user acknowledged how problematic the situation had become and said, “This s**t is so toxic, I love it.”
One fan pointed out Kuminga’s position in the rotation and criticized the decision by saying, “As the 9th man.”
“#ReleaseLacob,” stated one user.
While some X users were enjoying the chaos, it was clear that the consensus went against Lacob’s decision. Given how convoluted and troublesome the matter has become, it is difficult to see the merit in retaining Kuminga.
The 22-year-old forward had expressed his interest in being traded, even drawing interest from teams such as the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately, the trade packages weren’t viewed favorably by the Warriors, effectively negating any further discussions.
Considering the offers he has received from other teams, the forward is understandably underwhelmed by the deal the Warriors are presenting to him. Given his dissatisfaction and certain desire to leave the franchise, it seems more likely that he will opt to take the $7.9 million qualifying offer to play out the season and leave next summer.
