Contract updates surrounding Jonathan Kuminga are warranted at this stage of the offseason.
The 6-foot-7 Golden State Warriors forward has been reluctant to sign a new deal with the Dubs, but according to an NBA insider, there’s a new $75.2 million contract option on the table.
“Kuminga is the domino that triggers the rest of their plans,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania wrote Monday. “So, it's no surprise Kuminga's phone lit up on the business front over the past few weeks.”
“His star teammates Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green have reached out, checking on Kuminga, his plans, and his mindset. Kuminga's agent, Turner, has delivered the latest proposals from the front office after a week of increased negotiations.”
“But still no resolution. The Warriors have strengthened their effort. Late last week, Dunleavy offered Kuminga a three-year, $75.2 million deal with a team option in the third season, sources told ESPN.”
“That's $48.3 million guaranteed in the first two seasons and basically the same per-year salary as fellow restricted free agent Josh Giddey, who re-signed with the Chicago Bulls for four years and $100 million.”
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Golden State can’t be pleased with the way free agency has unfolded following their second-round playoff exit.
The goal has always been to unite Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler with the help they need as they begin their 15th and 17th seasons, respectively.
However, with the Kuminga dilemma preventing the organization from signing various impactful free agents, there are legitimate concerns regarding the Warriors’ ability to bolster their mediocre roster before the 2025-26 season commences.
If Kuminga can get on board sooner rather than later (he'll likely sign the one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer), the Warriors will have a chance to complete the necessary roster moves in the next few weeks.
The 22-year-old pro (who averaged 21 points per game in December) had his moments in the Bay last year, but still has more to prove before he’s considered deserving of a massive contract in the foreseeable future.
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