The Golden State Warriors have reportedly extended three offers to Jonathan Kuminga, yet the 22-year-old forward has rejected each one, leaving many fans perplexed at what he truly wants. The offers included a three-year, $75.2 million deal with a team option for a third year, a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option for the second year and a three-year, $54 million deal with no option. For most players of Kuminga’s age and experience, such opportunities would be difficult to dismiss.

Rick Mahorn, who recognizes that training camp is just days away, gave heartfelt advice to Kuminga on accepting harsh realities about his situation if he wants certainty over his long-term future. For the former NBA champ, Kuminga needs to accept that he will never be the Warriors’ No. 1 option regardless of how much confidence he has in his own potential—such is often the reality in the NBA.

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Mahorn wants Kuminga to accept the reality

Sure, Kuminga has showcased that he deserves better opportunities when he led the team in scoring, with averages of 20.8 points per game, during the Dubs’ second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves last year. Moreover, even with such promise, knowing that coach Steve Kerr wouldn’t hand him more playing time is tough to digest.

This is why Mahorn believes that Kuminga needs clarity now more than ever. If the young forward seeks stability in his career, he must first recognize his true place in the franchise. This recognition will only help Kuminga choose whether to chase the lucrative deals he deserves or embrace a more defined role on championship-caliber teams with a pay cut while sharing the court with experienced veterans like Butler and Curry.

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“You got Steph Curry, you got Draymond Green, you still got pieces from your championships and you’re not the focal point. It’s about accepting your (role),” Mahorn said. “I want players to get paid money, but if you’re not accepting your role, then you know, you’re looking to say, ‘I’m better than this role,’ this is how the NBA is.”

What should Kuminga do?

If Kuminga accepts the qualifying offer, he would earn $7.9 million for a single season while setting himself up to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason. Though this route would mean taking a substantial pay cut compared to the offers already on the table, it comes with notable benefits, including a no-trade clause and the freedom to sign with any team of his choice the following year.

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To put things into a better perspective, by 2026, at least six teams are expected to have better cap space, along with the possibility of a sign-and-trade that could only expand his options even further. This path could allow him to join another championship contender while maintaining relevance.

Alternatively, if Jonathan desires to earn lucratively from the 2025-26 season onwards, he could join teams like the Brooklyn Nets, who might be nowhere near championship contention but has the cap space to offer him a $20 to $30 million deal annually.

Ultimately, Kuminga needs ‘clarity’ on his goals, especially with the 2025-26 training camp just days away.

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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.