The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga appear to be close to a deal in negotiations. A recent report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater noted that if the Warriors provide a player option on the final year of the contract currently on offer, the former lottery pick would re-sign with the franchise.

During a recent episode of the “520 Club” podcast, former NBA guard Jeff Teague explained why he understands Kuminga’s stance. Teague noted that the athletic forward is trying to gain control of his future, particularly in terms of financial upside and the freedom to shape his own destiny.

“He doesn’t want a team option,” Teague said. “Who wants a team option when they’re that young, honestly? He’s what, 22 years old? You don’t want a team option in your deal. You want a player option. You want to be able to control your destiny. If you have a good Year 1 [and] a good Year 2, you want to be able to opt out and get a new bag. But if I have a great year and I have a team option, they’re going to bring me back on that same year — at lower money; maybe y’all talk [about] an extension or whatever, but you want to be able to have that option to get out of there…

He’s trying to solidify that money for two years and then be able to move on because he knows he’s going to play well. But he also wants to know, like, ‘If I’m not playing well … y’all can’t just cut me [during] that third year. I got a choice to come back if I’m not playing well.’”

Throughout the summer, the Warriors have resisted giving Kuminga a player option on the final year of his deal. Both reported contract offers have contained a team option, which it would appear has been a significant sticking point in negotiations. However, if the Warriors want to end the current stalemate, it’s very clear that one tweak to the deal on the table could get an agreement over the line.

Golden State’s training camp is set to begin on September 29. If the Warriors want to head into that camp with full focus on the season ahead, they must figure out how to resolve the Kuminga situation while also rounding out the roster. It’s going to be a busy 10 days in the Bay Area, and the fanbase will undoubtedly be watching things unfold in the hope of a smooth transition into preseason preparations.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!