The Golden State Warriors Have DECIDED On Jonathan Kuminga

The Golden State Warriors Have DECIDED On Jonathan Kuminga

We have to wait and see what kind of market Jonathan Kaminga can get outside of Golden State. He can go he can go and negotiate a deal with another team. Chicago likes him. Miami likes him. The problem with Jonathan Kaminga is there’s no salary cap space out there. The Golden State Warriors have made a bold decision. They have finally given Jonathan Kaminga an offer he couldn’t refuse. Literally, the franchise has offered their most talented young player a whopping $7.9 million qualifying offer. This sounds crazy, but there’s more to it than it looks. This offer is only to formalize the process of allowing him to enter free agency. Considering what we’ve seen play out all season, this was mostly expected as free agency kicked off on June 30th. This also marks a critical juncture for the Warriors as they navigate their roster construction around their championship core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. While addressing the future of their franchise, Kaminga, the number seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, has shown flashes of all-star potential, but has struggled to find a consistent role in Golden State system. The past year has been nothing short of confusing with a potential contract extension turning into a chess game between player and franchise. Considering the recent departure of Clay Thompson to the Mavericks, the Warriors came in with experience. The young star bet on himself. However, Jonathan Kaminga ended up missing a significant chunk of his contract year, putting him at a clear disadvantage. This video will discuss the details of the Warriors biggest sign or trade asset, the qualifying offer, its implications for the Warriors, and the interest from other teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, the New Orleans Pelicans, and even the Washington Wizards. With the Warriors unable to find a sign and trade deal as of late, more teams have become interested. Be sure to watch the whole video as we take a look at the potential mechanics, cost, and some players that are being discussed in possible sign and trade scenarios. You are watching [Applause] the $7.9 million qualifying offer extended to Jonathan Kaminga is a one-year contract that allows the Warriors to retain the right to match any offer sheet Kaminga might sign with another team during restricted free agency. As a restricted free agent, Kaminga can negotiate with other teams starting June 30th, 2025. But the Warriors have the option to match any offer he receives, ensuring they can either keep him or explore trade possibilities. This gives the Warriors maximum leverage to avoid paying him one penny more than what another team is willing to. If JK accepts the qualifying offer, however, he would play the 2025 to 26 season with the Warriors at that salary and become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, resulting in just the opposite of what we described. At this juncture, the Warriors would have no leverage. Jonathan Kaminga would then choose which team he’d likely play for. This scenario was unlikely, however, given Jonathan Kaminga’s desire for a long-term deal at around 30 million a year. It makes the qualifying offer just a formality to get the ball rolling. So, how did the Warriors come up with this qualifying offer? The qualifying offer’s value is determined by Kaminga’s service time, previous salary, and status as a non-starter as per the NBA CBA rules. By extending this offer, the Warriors maintain control over Kaminga’s future. But considering their finances are tied up, owing nearly $140 million to Curry, Butler, and Green for the next season, their ability to resign him to a larger long-term deal without significant roster adjustments is virtually impossible. This was something I mentioned in an earlier video around the mid-season trade deadline when the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler. While the Warriors didn’t want to sign Jimmy initially for the obvious handicap it would place on resigning Kaminga, they ended up agreeing to a two-year $110 million extension to get the Butler in the Bay. This shows the amount of pressure the team is under to try to win now as well as maintain a future with Jonathan Kaminga. This was the driving factor behind what appears to be the Warriors philosophy of either getting Steph Curry as much help as possible to try to win another championship, aka Jimmy, or bet on JK and Steph Curry forming an elite duo when JK doesn’t play the way Steve Curr wants to play. They chose the former and are now left between a rock and a hard place. In order to keep their young player, the Warriors need a low salary commitment from JK at a juncture where he’s expecting to finally earn his payday and respect. Tendering the offer reflects their intent to either retain Kaminga at a manageable cost or if it comes down to it, leverage his value in a sign and trade to acquire assets that better fit their immediate championship aspirations. The Warriors are well aware that having your franchise built around three older players in their late30s has to be a short-term decision and are doing everything they can to balance championship aspirations and future relevance. Even so, they are considering adding a fourth player in Al Horford. We’ll discuss that in another video. However, this is a balancing act with Kaminga’s free agency. On one hand, Kaminga represents their most promising young talent, a 22-year-old forward with elite athleticism and scoring ability. His performance in the 2025 NBA playoffs, where he averaged 24 points on 55% shooting in the final four games of Golden State’s second round loss to the Timberwolves showcased his potential as a go-to scorer. Joe Leob has publicly praised Kaminga’s defensive efforts against stars such as Anthony Edwards, which underscores his value to the team. Mike Dunlevy Jr. has also expressed optimism about Kaminga’s fit, emphasizing his importance to the franchise’s future. However, Kaminga’s inconsistent role under coach Steve Kerr, exacerbated by a significant ankle injury that sideline him for 31 games in this previous season, raises questions about his long-term fit with the Warriors. His isolationheavy playing style clashes with Curry’s motion-based offense, which prioritizes offball movement and playmaking around Curry. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler further crowded the front court, pushing Kaminga out of the rotation at times during the playoffs. With the Warriors operating close to the second apron, around 208 million, resigning Kaminga to a projected 25 to 30 million annual salary could limit their ability to address other roster needs such as a starting center, additional shooting, or playmaking. So, not only is he forced out due to a crowded front court, he’s also forced out due to a crowded salary cap. The financial situation in Golden State makes a sign and trade scenario somewhat appealing. The CBA’s baseear compensation or BYC rule complicates these types of deals, however, as Kaminga’s outgoing salary for trade purposes would be counted at 50% of his new contracts first year salary. For example, if Kaminga signs a $30 million starting salary, the Warriors could only take back up to $18.75 million in salary, which is 125% of 15 million, without triggering a hard cap at the first apron. This restriction limits the pool of players they can acquire, forcing creative trade structures or multi-team deals to maximize value. Now, several teams have emerged as potential suitors for Kaminga with the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat being mentioned. Each team sees Kaminga as a young athletic forward who could elevate their roster, but their motivations and roster fits differ significantly. The Kings coming off a disappointing playing loss to the Dallas Mavericks are desperate to bolster their roster around Damont Sabonis. Kaminga’s ability to score in isolation and finish through contact would complement Sabonis’ playmaking and interior presence, potentially forming a dynamic front court duo. The Kings lack a true power forward, and Kaminga’s athleticism could address their defensive shortcomings while adding a scoring punch alongside Demar De Rozan and Zack Lavine. The Kings have recently signed Dennis Shruda to a three-year $45 million deal, however, which would leave Dear as the odd man out considering his age. The Kings might try to move to Rosen to get a soft reset if they do trade for Kaminga. JK could thrive in Sacramento’s uptempo system where he’d have more offensive freedom than in Golden State. His ability to attack the rim and draw files would flow well with Sabonis’ passing, creating lob opportunities and opening up the floor. His inconsistent three-point shooting at 31% last season could exacerbate spacing issues in a lineup that features non-shooters like D Rozan, which is another reason they’d have to part with the veteran small forward. The Kings have offered Daario Sharic and Devin Carter plus two second round picks in an early bid to pry the Warriors young forward away. Only Golden State bocked at the trade offer and considered it to be non-serious. The Warriors proposed they’d accept a trade for a promising young player in a first round pick. So, alternatively, the Kings could offer Keegan Murray and a pick. However, the Kings don’t seem too interested in parting with their sharp shooter. Take that with a grain of salt, however, as Murray’s three-point shooting has fallen in consecutive seasons with last season dropping below league average to 34.3%. The Kings have shown interest in moving Malik Monk. And while they don’t have much else they could offer, Keon Ellis, a 3 and D wing with a $2.3 million club option, and Monk, a sharpshooter with an $18.7 million salary for this upcoming season. Plus, that first round pick could be intriguing. The Warriors would likely target Ellis for his elite perimeter defense and 43% career three-point shooting. Addressing their need for shooting and defense, the Bulls in the midst of a youth movement centered around Josh Giddy, Kobe White, and Matas Bazel see Kaminga as a high upside addition to their core. His athleticism and above the rim play style would pair well with Giddy’s playmaking, creating a dynamic loud threat and transition weapon. The Bulls have previously discussed trades with the Warriors, including talks involving Nicole Vutzovich, indicating a willingness to engage in sign and trade negotiations. Kaminga could become a cornerstone for Chicago’s rebuild, offering scoring and defensive versatility. His ability to guard multiple positions would complement Buzzel’s length and wide scoring. His acquisition would more than likely see the departure of Patrick Williams, as he’s a non-shooter who could create spacing issues. The Bulls could offer Vousvich a stretch big with a $20 million expiring contract to address Golden State’s need for a center. Alternatively, they might include Kobe White, a combo guard with a $12.9 million salary. This initial trade idea had Lonzo Ball, but he was recently traded to Cleveland and protected first round pick, for example, a 2029 top five protected could be included to balance the trade. Vousvich’s shooting and passing would fit Golden State’s offense, though his defensive limitations would require Draymond Green’s coverage. White’s scoring ability as a backup guard for Curry would be appealing, especially given his affordable contract, although we’d likely see Steve Cerr experiment with him in the starting lineup next to Curry. A draft pick to Golden State would provide some future flexibility. The Heat, fresh off acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Warriors, are seeking a third scoring option to complement Bam Adabio and Tyler Herro. Kaminga’s isolation scoring and athleticism make him an ideal fit as a starter, potentially replacing Andrew Wiggins in the rotation. Alternatively, Miami could look to pair the two who have already played together in Golden State. Miami’s interest in Kuminga has been reported by multiple sources including Shams Gania, indicating that the Heat are actually very serious. Kaminga could thrive in Miami’s culture of discipline and physicality, serving as a versatile forward who can score in isolation and defend multiple positions. His presence would reduce the offensive burden on Adabayo and Hero, creating a balanced lineup. His lack of consistent outside shooting could clash with Miami spacing needs unless paired with shooters like Hero. The potential of having Hero, Wiggins, Kaminga, Bam, and wear for a starting five could breathe new life into the heat. Miami could offer Haywood Highmith a $5.6 million expiring contract. Nicole Yovic, a young forward with upside or even Khal Wear. They are unlikely to relinquish Wear’s contract, however, and with the youth movement likely view him as a main part of their core. Da’Veon Mitchell, a restricted free agent who recently signed a two-year $24 million deal, could also be included as a three-end specialist similar to Keon Ellis. A future first round pick in 2028, top five protected, might be necessary to get the Warriors interested. Wear’s potential as a rim protecting shooting big, would address Golden State’s need at center, while Heismith’s 37.4% three-point shooting and defensive tenacity would fit Kur system. Avon Mitchell in this case could serve as an elite backup point guard and again a draft pick would provide long-term value. The Pelicans have recently emerged as being interested in signing Kaminga and have possibly the most intriguing potential lineup. They already have two former Warriors in Jordan Pool and Cavan Looney. Adding Jonathan Kaminga could take advantage of the chemistry the three already have developed. Kaminga would likely replace Trey Murphy in the starting lineup and a package to the Warriors could include either Murphy or Herb Jones paired with a first round pick. The latest team to show interest is Pool’s old team, the Washington Wizards, who might look to add Kaminga as a dynamic scorer flanked by two elite shooters in CJ McCullum and Chris Middleton. The Warriors could be interested in the trade if the Wizards move by Lal Kohibali, a 6’8 forward as well as a top three protected firstround pick. Alex Sar is more than likely off limits. However, the Warriors would likely covet Sar as well and would be interested in the soontobe secondyear player. So, here’s how a hypothetical sign and trade deal with JK might work. If Kaminga signs a 4-year $110 million deal, a $27.5 million starting salary, the Warriors could only take back up to $17.2 million in salary, which is 125% of the 13.75 million, without triggering a hard cap. This limitation requires teams to send multiple smaller contracts or involve a third team to absorb salary. Resigning Kaminga to a 25 to30 million annual salary would push them closer to or above the second apron, limiting roster flexibility and triggering penalties like frozen draft picks. A sign and trade allows them to acquire assets while avoiding these constraints, but they’ll have to stay under the first apron which is 189 million to avoid a hard cap. The Kings, Bulls, and Heat would have to absorb Kaminga’s new salary which could range from 25 to 35 million annually. This may require shedding salary. example, Murray, Vivvich, or Heismith, or using cap exceptions like the non-t taxpayer mid-level exception. Teams above the cap like Miami would have to match salaries precisely. The purpose of the draft pick in this scenario is to compensate for Jonathan Kaminga’s upside. While the Warriors have indicated they would like a player with upside and a first round pick. This is the reason behind their negotiating, and this might change depending on the player at stake. The Warriors decision to extend Kaminga’s qualifying offer reflects their desire to retain flexibility. While they could match an offer sheet for 3 years and 81 million as suggested by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, a high offer from a team like the Brooklyn Nets, the only team with significant cap space could force a tough choice. The Nets, however, have reported a lack of interest in Kaminga, reducing this risk. Making a sign and trade or resigning him more likely. For the Warriors, retaining Kaminga could solidify their bridge to the post Curry era. But his fit alongside Butler and Green has some kinks to work out. A sign and trade allows them to acquire win now pieces or draft capital aligning with their championship window. For the Kings, Bulls, Pelicans, Wizards, and Heat, Kaminga represents a high upside gamble that could alter the future of either franchise as well as that of the rest of the NBA. Should the Warriors sign and trade Kaminga? If so, what team should sign him? Post your thoughts in the comments below. Just be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on all your notifications so you don’t miss any of my latest uploads. Thanks for watching. Till next time. [Music]

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