The Golden State Warriors are reportedly prepared to play hardball with Jonathan Kuminga after multiple failed conversations regarding a new contract this summer. Kuminga has been keen to explore his options and has reportedly held talks with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings over a potential sign-and-trade. Unfortunately for Kuminga, a move has failed to materialize thus far.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors have begun making noise that they’re no longer interested in negotiating a sign-and-trade deal for Kuminga, and will move forward with the expectation that he’s on the roster next season. Kuminga can either sign a new deal with Golden State or opt into his qualifying offer.
“The Warriors have been uninterested in the trade returns from the Kings and Suns for Kuminga, sources said. In recent days, they have begun signaling a plan to cut off sign-and-trade conversations entirely, using their restricted free agency leverage to the fullest, sources said,” Slater reported. “Their current stance is that Kuminga will be on the Warriors’ roster to begin next season — either through their two-year offer on the table or the standing $7.9 million one-year qualifying offer, whichever is Kuminga’s preferred path.”
Golden State is playing a risky game. If Kuminga signs his qualifying offer, he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. That decision would limit the Warriors’ negotiating power in potential deals for the explosive forward over the next 12 months. As such, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob may be forced to trade Kuminga at a discounted price.
Kuminga’s free agency has limited the Warriors’ ability to make other moves in the free agent market. Both Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton are expected to sign once the Kuminga saga is concluded. As such, the franchise may feel it has no other choice but to play hardball. Whether that works out or not will remain to be seen.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!