Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been urged to meet Jonathan Kuminga’s contract demands after the Chicago Bulls signed Josh Giddey, another restricted free agent, to a four-year, $100 million extension.
Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe urged the Warriors to “meet Kuminga in the middle” by giving him a player option in their reported two-year offer worth $45 million. According to multiple insiders, Kuminga and his camp prefer to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, but the Warriors have insisted on controlling his immediate future.
“With about three weeks until the October 1 deadline, it’s time for the Warriors and the young forward to each give a little and finally move strongly towards a resolution,” O’Keefe wrote on September 9, highlighting that Kuminga could be forced to sign his qualifying offer if he and the Warriors don’t agree to a deal before training camp.
“The obvious move would be to just guarantee the second year completely — no team or player option and eliminate the thought of a no-trade clause for the 22-year-old.
Bulls, Giddey Agree to Compromise
“This compromise would give Kuminga significant money on a short-term deal that lets him re-enter free agency at just 24, while for Golden State it would avoid the qualifying offer disaster and still allow them to trade the former seventh overall pick once he becomes eligible mid-season.
To O’Keefe’s point, the Bulls endured a similar issue with Giddey, who initially wanted a $30 million per season deal, but the franchise was willing to offer around $20 million. Ultimately, they met him halfway by agreeing to a $25 million per season contract.
“At the very least the Warriors have to entice Kuminga with something different than what’s currently on the table, otherwise they may have to be a little more open to sign-and-trade offers after rejecting all previous approaches so far this offseason.”
Where Warriors, Kuminga Stand
According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole, Kuminga is widely expected to sign his qualifying offer worth $7.9 million, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Such a move would hinder Golden State’s efforts to trade him, as the Congolese forward will own a no-trade clause while playing on a qualifying offer, per NBA rules.
Poole noted that RFA Cam Thomas’ decision to sign his qualifying offer has no bearing on the Kuminga-Warriors situation, as the Warriors remain hopeful to find a solution.
“One clear and significant distinction between Kuminga-Warriors and Giddey-Bulls is that only the latter involves parties with mutual desire,” Poole wrote on September 9.“Giddey and the Bulls envision a future together. Kuminga and the Warriors do not share the same dream.”
“Another difference is that the Bulls, mediocre in the inferior Eastern Conference, are building for years ahead. Giddey has been a starter since his rookie season with Oklahoma City and was a 30-minutes-a-night starter in his first season in Chicago. He is part of a core they hope can thrive in two or three years.”
“The Warriors, by contrast, are operating with urgency. With a veteran core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green– average age 36.5 years – they’re not looking beyond the next two seasons.”