The Golden State Warriors can once again point to Jonathan Kuminga as the root of their offseason woes. The young forward’s contract standoff has dragged on all summer, stalling the franchise’s operations and leaving Stephen Curry without much-needed support.
At just 22, Kuminga has shown flashes of becoming one of the NBA’s top young forwards. He’s averaged 12.5 points, four rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across his first four seasons despite playing an inconsistent role. But his demands have thrown Golden State into gridlock.
Kuminga is reportedly seeking an $8 million qualifying offer that would give him control over his future starting next season. The Warriors, however, prefer a deal with a team option in the second year. Given his sporadic usage in Steve Kerr’s system, Kuminga isn’t willing to settle.
The Warriors’ lost opportunities
While the front office wrestles with Kuminga’s situation, the Warriors have failed to make a single notable signing this summer. Most recently, they lost out on veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Brogdon just signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the New York Knicks, making him unavailable to Golden State. Brogdon, named Sixth Man of the Year in 2023, would have been the ideal backup to Stephen Curry, but uncertainties regarding Kuminga’s situation prevented the deal.
Regarding this, Yahoo Sports analyst Jake Fischer explained, “We won’t know if the Warriors emerge with more serious interest in Brogdon until the state of their roster and luxury tax become clear in the wake of a resolution to Kuminga’s fate.”
Free agency purgatory in the bay
Brogdon isn’t the only missed opportunity. The Warriors have stalled in negotiations to bring back Gary Payton II and have hesitated to chase other targets, including Champ Horford and De’Anthony Melton.
Reports suggest both Horford and Melton have asked Golden State’s front office for clarity before moving forward. With options dwindling, the Warriors may be forced to lean on younger, unproven players such as Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski – a risky strategy for a team still hoping to contend in Curry’s twilight years.
Read the full article here
