Jonathan Kuminga is commanding quite a bit of attention heading into the offseason.
A divorce between the young forward and the Golden State Warriors has seemed likely since the club landed Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline.
There's less room for Kuminga to develop into a star now as the Warriors will focus on adding complementary pieces to Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Bulter on their roster.
Kuminga, on the other hand, wants to be an All-Star. With the Warriors' current situation and roster in place, it's hard for the G League Ignite product to explore and develop his game to that point.
The two sides are headed into free agency with big decisions to make. Kuminga wants more opportunity, while the Warriors want to complement their aging trio and keep financial flexibility.
A recent report regarding Kuminga's offseason wishes might just get in the way of that, though. According to Clutch Points' Brett Siegel, the 22-year-old forward is aiming for more than $30 million annually.
“The Warriors have made it clear that they want to maintain financial flexibility moving forward. Keeping Kuminga would come at a significant cost for Golden State, as he wants a deal that pays him over $30 million per year," Siegel reports.
If Kuminga got the opportunity to play in a heavy-usage role, his asking for this annual salary wouldn't sound all that crazy.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey is a prime example. He was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to a situation that allowed him to play in a role an All-Star or future star might expect, and he played his way into a big contract.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jan 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) drives against Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) during the first half at United Center.
© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Giddey is also reportedly asking for more than $30 million annually, which seems to be the market for that level of young player, which remains slightly raw in terms of their potential.
The Warriors might find value in a sign-and-trade, which allows Kuminga to find a desired opportunity while earning the most he can.
The most value they could recoup, though, would come at the trade deadline next season, as the Warriors could trade Kuminga's full salary, whereas a sign-and-trade would only allow them to return a partial portion of his salary.