Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga`s agent, Aaron Turner, has informed ESPN that Kuminga is prepared to accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer unless the Golden State Warriors significantly improve their current contract proposals. Turner emphasized Kuminga`s desire for greater control over his future, stating, “There`s a lot of upside. He wants to pick where he wants to go. So the QO is real for sure.”
Negotiation Impasse and Rejected Offers
The 22-year-old Kuminga has been presented with three distinct contract frameworks by the Warriors, all of which he has declined:
- A three-year deal worth $75.2 million, featuring a team option for the third season, guaranteeing $48.3 million over the initial two years.
- A two-year agreement valued at $45 million, with a team option on the second season.
- A three-year offer totaling $54 million, notably without any options.
Kuminga`s primary request has been to convert any proposed team option into a player option, a condition the Warriors have consistently refused.
Agent`s Argument: Control and Satisfaction
Turner argues that providing Kuminga with a player option would be beneficial for the team`s immediate success. “If [the Warriors] want to win now, if you want a guy that`s happy and treated fairly who is a big part of this team, we believe, moving forward, you give him the player option,” Turner stated. He acknowledged that this might slightly reduce the team`s trade flexibility but insisted that a satisfied player focused on winning would outweigh this concern. “You don`t get a perfect deal, but you get a pretty good deal and he gets to feel respected about what he gets and we all move on and worry about winning, helping Steph [Curry].”
The Impact of a Qualifying Offer
Opting for the qualifying offer would mean Kuminga relinquishes over $40 million in guaranteed salary across the next two seasons. However, it would grant him unrestricted free agency the following summer and an inherent no-trade clause, giving him full control over his destination. Turner views this as a strategic move, positioning Kuminga as a top wing free agent in a potentially competitive market. “If JK wants to take it, it does have upside, right? You`re not getting traded. You`re going to have unrestricted free agency (next summer).”
External Interest and Role Aspirations
Kuminga has actively explored interest from other NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings (who proposed a three-year deal between $63 and $66 million) and the Phoenix Suns (offering four years between $80 and $88 million). These discussions have significantly influenced Kuminga`s mindset, as these teams have reportedly promised him starting roles and greater offensive freedom. Turner contrasted this with Kuminga`s likely bench role and limited offensive opportunities within the Warriors` structure, behind players like Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford.
“These other places are offering him opportunities to start games, finish games, know your role. `We don`t want you to change anything. Continue to develop and spread your wings,`” Turner explained. He reiterated that while Kuminga isn`t opposed to staying with the Warriors, his personal ambitions regarding skill development (like mid-range shooting) would be suppressed, a sacrifice that should be reflected in his contract terms.
Ongoing Stalemate and Potential Compromises
The Warriors remain the only NBA team yet to sign a free agent this summer, with training camp fast approaching and only nine players currently on their roster. The expected signings of veterans like Al Horford, De`Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II are reportedly on hold, awaiting resolution of Kuminga`s contract. Despite Warriors owner Joe Lacob`s personal meeting with Kuminga in August to address the dispute, negotiations remain deadlocked.
Kuminga`s camp proposes several paths forward: either the inclusion of a player option in any of the current offers, or an increase in the annual salary to around $30 million for a team-option deal, or allowing him to retain his inherent no-trade clause on a two-year, $45 million contract. The Warriors, however, have not relented on including player options or requesting Kuminga waive his no-trade clause. Without a significant shift, the qualifying offer remains a strong possibility, a scenario that would severely impact Kuminga`s trade value. Turner highlighted that even with a player option, the Warriors would retain Kuminga`s Bird rights, suggesting that a well-communicated long-term plan could still secure his future with the team.
