BREAKING NEWS: The Golden State Warriors are facing an urgent situation as the clock ticks down on restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, who remains unsigned just days before the start of the NBA season. Warriors veteran stars, including Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, expressed their hope that Kuminga will soon finalize his contract and rejoin the team for practice, which begins on September 26, 2025.
During a media day event earlier today in San Francisco, Curry emphasized the importance of Kuminga’s presence, stating, “When he’s here, ready to work, we expect him to be locked in on doing what he needs to do to help us win.” The Warriors are prepared to kick off their first practice without Kuminga, as well as veteran additions Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, whose contracts are in limbo pending Kuminga’s negotiation outcome.
Kuminga has reportedly rejected two offers from the Warriors, including a two-year deal worth $45 million and a three-year contract valued at $75.2 million, both of which included a team option for the final year. The young star is reportedly looking for a more favorable deal or a potential sign-and-trade arrangement, putting the Warriors at risk of losing him without compensation. “We respect the [negotiation] process,” Curry added, highlighting the ongoing discussions.
The urgency is heightened as Kuminga’s one-year, $8 million qualifying offer expires on September 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Should he decline to sign it, he could miss out on an additional $15.3 million next season, while also retaining future flexibility with a no-trade clause and potential unrestricted free agency in 2026. This scenario could leave the Warriors vulnerable, as they risk losing their No. 7 pick from the 2021 NBA draft for nothing.
“A contract negotiation is a contract negotiation for a reason,” Green stated, acknowledging the tensions that often arise during such discussions. “It’s one side trying to get the better of the other side, and when you’re trying to do that, just like in a basketball game, tempers flare.”
Despite the standstill, both Curry and Green remain optimistic about Kuminga’s commitment to the team. “Do I think he still wants to be here? Yeah,” Green said, reflecting on conversations with Kuminga. “He said that to me — that he still wants to be here.”
As the Warriors prepare for their season opener, the absence of key players will challenge their practice efforts. “We’ll be tired as hell going through practice,” Green joked, but he also stressed that he doesn’t expect this situation to linger much longer. “That will be a distraction and that will suck,” he added, referring to the limited roster. “But as far as it being a distraction, I don’t expect this to go on too much longer.”
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, recently indicated that a player option in his contract would signal goodwill from the Warriors, leading to a more engaged Kuminga. “If they give him a player option, he’ll be all-in on the goal of winning a championship,” Turner noted. However, Kuminga’s reluctance to sign the current offers raises concerns about his future with the team.
As media buzz surrounds Kuminga’s situation, Curry shared, “I just know from man-to-man, he doesn’t want to have to be in the way of anything. Let the [contract] situation play out. He can speak for himself.” The Warriors and their fans are keenly awaiting a resolution, hoping to have their young star back on the court as soon as possible.
The Warriors’ immediate focus will be to navigate this contract negotiation successfully, ensuring they can maximize their chances for a championship in what could be the last run for their veteran core. With the season beginning, all eyes are on Kuminga and the Warriors’ next steps.
