The Golden State Warriors are facing a complicated standoff this offseason with 22-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga. Once considered a high-upside developmental project, Kuminga is now pushing for elite recognition – not just on the court, but on the payroll as well.
What began as on-court tension with coach Steve Kerr last season has evolved into full-blown contract drama.
The latest twist? According to San Francisco Chronicle reporter Ron Kroichik, Kuminga reportedly believes he’s on the same level as Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes.
“He apparently thinks he’s at the Cade Cunningham-Scottie Barnes level, where he should get that type of contract,” a league source told Kroichik. “It’s really a quandary. I think it’s bad for the Warriors and bad for him.”
Cunningham recently signed a staggering five-year, $269 million deal with Detroit, which averages over $53 million annually. That contract firmly establishes him as the Pistons’ long-term centerpiece. Kuminga, the 7th overall pick in the 2021 draft, believes he belongs in that salary tier as well.
Kuminga’s market value: Expectation vs. reality
Kuminga’s self-assessment hasn’t matched the offers he’s received. The Warriors reportedly proposed a two-year, $45 million contract that included a team option in the second year, essentially granting Golden State full flexibility. Kuminga’s camp rejected the offer, also pushing for a no-trade clause, which was quickly dismissed by the front office.
Some insiders suggest Kuminga is targeting an annual salary north of $30 million, a figure typically reserved for franchise-level contributors. The issue, however, lies in whether his performance supports such a valuation.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 47 games. While his athleticism and upside are evident, his efficiency and consistency still fall short of star-level expectations. He shot 45.4% from the field and just 30.5% from beyond the arc, figures that don’t quite justify a max-level payday.
Compare that to Cunningham, who carried a 33.2% usage rate and averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists across 70 games. His production and leadership in Detroit paint a much clearer picture of a franchise cornerstone.
Veteran voices have weighed in on the comparison. Former NBA champion Ron Harper bluntly dismissed the idea that Kuminga is on Cunningham’s level, saying simply, “Well no.”
While Kuminga’s belief in his potential is admirable, the numbers and impact still need to catch up. The Warriors must now decide: hold firm or gamble on a young talent betting big on himself.
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