SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors remain frustratingly quiet in free agency. This silence stems from the contract impasse with Jonathan Kuminga. Negotiating the right price for him is tricky. His flashes of star-level play clash with glaring inconsistencies. Jonathan Kuminga’s contract conundrum is fueled by his unpredictable performance. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has revealed details that point to a short-term resolution soon.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Contract Conundrum: Market Moves, Infatuation And Deadlines
His recent playoff run sums up his career so far. Steve Kerr gave Kuminga DNPs in the first four playoff games. When Stephen Curry strained his hamstring, Kuminga stepped up. He averaged 24.3 points with efficient shooting splits from games two to five against Minnesota. The situation shows why Kuminga remains a complex situation for Golden State.
All signs indicate he will stay in San Francisco. But four reasons make this outcome likely.
Market Shrinkage Limits Options
The market for Kuminga was thin from the start. Now, it has shrunk further. The Sacramento Kings reportedly liked Kuminga but never got close to a deal. After landing Dennis Schroder, Sacramento sits just under $10 million below the first-apron hard cap.
To chase Kuminga now, they would need to move DeMar DeRozan or Malik Monk. No one believes this scenario is realistic during Summer League. The same goes for the Miami Heat. Sources say they never truly pushed for Kuminga.
With Norman Powell now in Miami and the Heat hard-capped, their interest is dead. The sweepstakes never really existed. The Warriors hoped for a clean sign-and-trade for a young player and picks. That dream has vanished for now.
The Warriors Still Believe
One thing keeping Kuminga in San Francisco is the unwavering belief from Warriors leadership. Jonathan Kuminga’s contract conundrum also shows how highly the top brass rate his upside.
Owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy want Kuminga back. Dunleavy even praised Kuminga for stepping up when Curry fell. He called it a “big reason why” they want him to return. The front office remains hooked on the idea of unlocking Kuminga’s full potential.
A Deadline Deal Could Still Come
Most rival teams expect a short-term reunion. All signs point to a mutual understanding: re-sign now, trade later. With little market today, staying benefits both sides.
Kuminga gets a chance to boost his value before February’s trade deadline. The Warriors keep his full salary on the books, unlike the 50 percent allowed in sign-and-trades. This strategy could attract better offers if Kuminga performs well early next season.
The Warriors will run it back with Kuminga. But the February deadline lurks as a pivotal date. If he plays to his talent, both Kuminga and the Warriors could finally find the right exit ramp. Or, he could play well enough that both sides look to extend his time in San Francisco beyond next summer.
The Waiting Game
For now, the Warriors’ quiet offseason revolves around Kuminga’s uncertain future. The Warriors and Kuminga have unfinished chapters to write. Fans hope this saga ends with a payoff that justifies the wait. If not, the trade deadline looms as the next big test for everyone involved.
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