The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga situation seems to be far from the end as both parties continue negotiations.
Jonathan Kuminga was offered a two-year $45 million contract by the Golden State Warriors, but he refused the deal and even posted a message on social media, which indicated the player was backing himself.
Teams like the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns are interested in acquiring the 22-year-old, but the Dubs are adamant about their demands regarding the swingman.
They offered him a two-year deal with a team option in the final year, something the player is not on board with.
However, their reluctance to give up control of the Kuminga situation could prove to be costly for them.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesKuminga has a qualifying offer option
Kuminga has admirers around the league, with many calling out Steve Kerr for his mismanagement of the young player.
His athleticism is certainly unique and whenever Kerr gave him a chance, Kuminga proved that he had the ability to put up numbers.
If no agreement is reached, the Congolese player has the qualifying offer option that will help him become a free agent next season.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
In the latest article on Stein Line, Jake Fischer said: “Golden State, sources say, they are not open to amending their stance on the second year of the two-year, $45 million offer it has extended to the 22-year-old swingman.
“The Warriors are insistent that Year 2 is a team option; Kuminga would naturally prefer a player option.
“The sides thus remain locked into a staring contest that some well-placed observers believe could drag into September at this rate. Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to accept his $8 million qualifying offer for the 2025-26 season and bet on himself to capitalize once he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.”
Kuminga taking the qualifying offer is not what the Warriors want
While no decision has been made on Kuminga’s qualifying offer, the Warriors would not want him to do that.
Not only would it give Kuminga a veto on any potential trade, but it would also make him an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Fischer added: “As much as the Warriors want a two-year deal on their terms, seeing Kuminga go the qualifier route would not be a welcome outcome.
“Golden State would then not only face the risk of losing Kuminga without compensation next summer but also lose the ability to potentially shop him in February as a valuable trade asset with a salary north of $20 million.”
The qualifying offer route is Kuminga’s best bet for earning a big contract next season.
It will also enable him to pick a team of his choice, as there were reports that he wanted an expanded role.
While this means Kuminga could earn only close to $8 million in the 2025-26 season, control would be back in his favor once he signs the offer.
The Dubs would likely then lose any chance of retaining assets from Kuminga as the relationship with him would have deteriorated at that point and the 22-year-old would move out in free agency.