Negotiations between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors remain unresolved as free agency drags on for nearly a month. Kuminga, the former No. 7 overall pick, is seeking a contract that reflects his potential star status, while the Warriors envision his role as a support player alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Recent insights from a poll conducted by Fred Katz of The Athletic revealed that there is no clear consensus on Kuminga’s market value among 16 NBA front office executives. Their estimates for a “fair” contract range widely, from $17 million to $25 million in average annual value, with a mean of $20.4 million. While some executives proposed multi-year contracts ranging from two to five years, only one indicated he would consider offering a $125 million deal over five years.
This lack of agreement hampers negotiations, especially since the Warriors are not inclined to commit to a high-value contract. There’s a potential risk for the franchise if Kuminga were to sign a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent next year. Consequently, executives suggest that the Warriors should aim to secure Kuminga with a deal that also enhances his trade value in case they need to make roster adjustments.
A comparison was made to Jalen Green’s recent contract, which included a sizable deal with a player option. A similar structure for Kuminga might serve both parties well—giving him a lucrative opportunity while allowing the Warriors flexibility in trades. However, as of now, both sides appear unwilling to make the necessary compromises, suggesting that this stalemate could continue as the season approaches.
Kuminga’s situation reflects the broader challenges faced by restricted free agents this offseason, highlighting the complexities of contract negotiations and roster dynamics in the NBA. As the negotiations evolve, there remains hope that a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached, paving the way for both Kuminga’s development and the Warriors’ aspirations.