The Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga remain far apart in contract negotiations, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson. Signing his $7.9MM qualifying offer and becoming an unrestricted free agent next season “remains the most attractive offer to Kuminga,” Johnson reports.
The Warriors-Kuminga saga has dragged on throughout the offseason, as it has for a few other prominent restricted free agents, with no resolution in sight despite the opening of training camps later this month.
Golden State has offered Kuminga a two-year deal worth approximately $45MM, insisting on a team option for the second year. Kuminga’s representatives are holding firm on their desire for a player option.
The impasse might be resolved if the Warriors drop their team option demand or perhaps if they front-load the contract. Golden State’s insistence that Kuminga give up his right to veto a trade on a one-plus-one deal may also be a sticking point.
If Kuminga winds up signing the QO, there is inherent risk for both sides. The 22-year-old forward’s value could drop if he isn’t part of Steve Kerr‘s regular rotation or if he suffers a major injury. However, Golden State could suffer more short-term risk. The QO would come with a no-trade clause for 2025/26 and Kuminga’s modest cap hit would make it difficult for Golden State to move him even if he’s willing to approve a deal.
A recent report indicated that the Warriors have been “discouraging” sign-and-trade scenarios for Kuminga after previous proposals from the Kings and Suns failed to meet the team’s asking price.
The Warriors need to act this month to fill out their roster. As our roster counts display, they have nine players on standard contracts, only seven of which are fully guaranteed. They have just one two-way player signed and both of their draft picks remain unsigned. Golden State has essentially frozen roster moves until the Kuminga issue is resolved.