The Golden State Warriors‘ summer has primarily been spent in contract negotiations with their 22-year-old forward, Jonathan Kuminga. Although Kuminga has expressed his desire to leave the team, the Warriors’ organization has appeared adamant in retaining him, and the ownership may be the reason for it.
A recent report by ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that Warriors owner Joe Lacob has been in favor of bringing Kuminga over to the Warriors for a long time. He wrote:
“Lacob has been a central figure in Kuminga’s NBA career since the beginning. Bob Myers was the team president and Dunleavy assistant general manager when they drafted Kuminga in 2021. They gave the collective green light, but Lacob was a driving force in the selection when others, including a few on the coaching staff, voiced a Franz Wagner preference, sources said.”
Charania noted the support the Warriors forward has received from Lacob, something that has largely been criticized by the fan base this offseason.
Lacob’s influence resulted in Kuminga being selected with the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Franz Wagner was selected one pick later by the Orlando Magic.
Given the trajectory of their careers, it is evident that Wagner has had more of an impact on his team. But this could also be attributed to being given a more significant role to play in the rotation, something the Warriors forward has had some trouble with.
Regardless, the ownership’s desire to retain Kuminga this summer has created many challenges with regard to roster building. On this note, after a period of silence, the Dubs have shown renewed efforts to bring the forward back, offering him a three-year, $75.2 million deal.
The first two years of the contract are reportedly guaranteed, similar to Josh Giddey’s extension with the Chicago Bulls. But with a team option in the third year, Kuminga may remain hesitant to accept it.
Kerr’s Offseason Comments Impacted Negotiations
It has been made evident that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr does not value Kuminga as highly as Joe Lacob does. In this regard, reports have also suggested that negotiations between the Warriors and Kuminga’s camp have been impacted by Kerr’s comments regarding the forward this offseason.
The Warriors’ head coach was clear about his perception of Kuminga’s role in the rotation. With the arrival of Jimmy Butler ahead of the deadline last season, the 22-year-old promptly found himself falling out of the rotation, primarily because of how he fit next to the Warriors’ veteran stars.
The forward’s limited floor spacing and perimeter defending ability have been cited as a reason for his reduced role. While justified, the impact it has had on Kuminga and, therefore, the contract negotiations this offseason has been largely detrimental.
As things stand, the Warriors’ wish to hold on to Kuminga has been reflected in their refusal of significant trade offers from the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings. However, given Kuminga’s desire for a player option in the final year of his contract, the forward may still be leaning toward signing the qualifying offer.
