BREAKING: Jonathan Kuminga is ready to accept a $7.9 million qualifying offer unless the Golden State Warriors present better terms. His agent, Aaron Turner, confirmed this urgent development to ESPN, stating, “There’s a lot of upside.” The clock is ticking as training camp approaches in less than two weeks, with the Warriors still without signed free agents.
The Warriors have reportedly laid out three potential contract frameworks for Kuminga, with the most lucrative being a three-year deal worth $75.2 million, which guarantees $48.3 million over the first two years. Despite these offers, Kuminga has declined them, pushing for a player option instead of a team option, which the Warriors have so far refused.
Turner emphasized the crucial nature of this decision, stating, “If the Warriors want to win now…you give him the player option.” He underscored the importance of Kuminga feeling respected, adding that a player option would benefit both parties in the long term.
Currently, the Warriors only have nine players on their roster, and they are the only NBA team yet to sign a free agent this summer. With negotiations stagnant for three months, the Warriors are reportedly waiting for Kuminga’s decision before pursuing veterans like Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton.
If Kuminga signs the qualifying offer, he risks forfeiting over $40 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons, but it would grant him unrestricted free agency next summer. Turner remarked, “If JK wants to take it, it does have upside…You’re not getting traded. You’re gonna have unrestricted free agency.”
As Kuminga explores his market, the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have made significant offers, with the Kings proposing a three-year deal between $63 million and $66 million and the Suns offering up to $88 million over four years. Although no sign-and-trade has materialized, the interest from these teams has influenced Kuminga’s perspective.
Turner stated, “He’s gotten a chance to hear from other teams…We want to give you a huge opportunity to play.” While Kuminga is not opposed to returning to the Warriors, he faces the risk of being sidelined in a likely bench role, especially with established players like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green in contention for starting spots.
In a meeting with Warriors owner Joe Lacob in August, Kuminga expressed his commitment to helping the team win but reiterated the need for a fair contract. The Warriors’ reluctance to include a player option has complicated negotiations, and Turner has indicated that Kuminga is open to a two-year deal in the $45 million range if it includes a no-trade clause.
As the situation unfolds, the pressure is mounting. The Warriors must navigate their roster and salary cap strategy carefully, while Kuminga weighs the potential benefits and risks of his next move. With training camp fast approaching, all eyes are on this pivotal decision that could reshape the future of both Kuminga and the Warriors.
