Golden State Warriors' free agent targets, including Al Horford, are getting restless because of the franchise's contract standoff with Jonathan Kuminga. The restricted free agent is waiting for a long-term deal, which will value his association.
But instead, all the Warriors are okay to offer is a two-year, $40-45 million deal with a team option in place for a second year. If there is no new offer or any sign-and-trade occasion, Kuminga might be inclined to take the $7.9 million qualifying offer.
The contract standoff continues to tie up crucial cap space, leaving veteran free-agent targets like Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and possibly Malcolm Brogdon in limbo. According to Monte Pool of NBC Sports Bay Area, the free agents are "quietly pleading for clarity," as they have now been patient for months and training camp is nearing.
Free agent deals should get Kuminga and Warriors talking
Since July, the news is that the Warriors and Kuminga are not talking at all. While the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, the developments around the league should bring them back together at the table.
Restricted free agents Cam Thomas and Josh Giddey have resolved their standoff. Thomas took the qualifying offer from the Brooklyn Nets, and Giddey put pen and paper to four-year, $100 million deal with the Chicago Bulls.
As the clock ticks toward training camp, all eyes are on the looming October 1 deadline. By then, if an extension isn't finalized, Kuminga could sign a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer that would enable him to enter unrestricted free agency next summer.