Jonathan Kuminga has once again turned down a new two-year, $45 million contract proposal from the Golden State Warriors, a decision that places his partnership with Stephen Curry in jeopardy and casts uncertainty over the franchise’s immediate plans. Without resolution, the standoff could impact the Warriors’ long-term competitiveness.
Sources indicate the impasse stems from Golden State’s insistence on including a team option for the second year of the deal and its refusal to grant Kuminga a no-trade clause. This lack of flexibility has frustrated the 22-year-old forward and his representatives.
During the Las Vegas Summer League, Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, countered with a three-year, $82 million structure that would allow the Warriors to remain below the second apron and preserve the taxpayer midlevel exception. Despite this proposal, both sides remain entrenched.
Kuminga and his agent have simultaneously explored potential trade scenarios and alternative signings. The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have emerged as the most realistic suitors, each reportedly offering four-year packages worth around $100 million, including a final-year option. Phoenix, in particular, is said to have presented the most appealing framework via a sign-and-trade deal.
Warriors remain unmoved despite rival interest
Golden State has shown little inclination to maximize potential returns from a trade to Sacramento or Phoenix. Multiple league insiders suggest the Warriors may even attempt to block any serious trade discussions, leveraging their position within restricted free agency to retain control over Kuminga’s rights.
The franchise maintains that Kuminga will remain part of its roster next season, either under the two-year offer on the table or by accepting the $7.9 million qualifying offer for a single season, which would still keep him under team control.
Privately, sources say Kuminga favors the offers from Sacramento and Phoenix, citing longer contractual security, the promise of a starting role, and a fresh opportunity to showcase his skill set. The financial upside is also significant; the Suns’ proposal reportedly exceeds Golden State’s by more than $70 million.
Kuminga himself has stated he is in no rush to settle, prioritizing a deal that aligns with his long-term interests.
Internally, there are concerns about his role in Steve Kerr’s rotation. With Jimmy Butler, Curry, and Draymond Green occupying primary roles, Kuminga has struggled to secure consistent minutes since entering the league four years ago.
Should he accept Golden State’s current offer, Kuminga would become the team’s fourth-highest-paid player. The franchise, notably, remains the only one yet to make significant offseason acquisitions, a delay directly linked to this ongoing contract stalemate.
Kuminga faces an October 1 deadline to sign the qualifying offer, a date that now looms large over both his future and the Warriors’ roster plans.
Read the full article here
