The Golden State Warriors entered the offseason with aspirations of bolstering their roster to extend their championship window.
However, their efforts to acquire marquee talents have been met with resistance, and internal contract disputes threaten to derail their plans.
The ongoing contract standoff with Jonathan Kuminga has effectively frozen the team’s summer plans.
Despite the lack of roster activity, speculation has swirled around Golden State and a potential blockbuster trade for Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
On August 22, the rumors surged again after NBA Insider Jake Fischer highlighted the Warriors‘ continued interest in James.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha, however, believes the chatter may be strategic. He suspects the Warriors themselves might be fueling the rumors to divert attention from their quiet summer.
“I would assume this came out from the Warriors side,” Buha said. “…They’ve had a rough summer. They have not been able to make any moves because of this Kuminga situation. It’s been drama-filled, but also stagnant at the same time…But it also benefits the Warriors to make their front office, their organization, look like they’re trying to do something.”
The idea of pairing James with Stephen Curry would certainly appeal to Golden State‘s “win-now” mindset.
Yet, the financial and logistical hurdles make such a trade highly improbable. LeBron‘s $52.6 million salary and the Lakers‘ likely demands create a near-impossible scenario for a deal.
The Warriors have initiated multiple trade discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers over the past 18 months. Despite the allure of a Curry-James backcourt, the Lakers‘ front office, along with James‘s agent Rich Paul, firmly declined any trade proposals.
Sources indicate that the Lakers have no intentions of parting with their franchise icon, and James himself has shown no desire to leave Los Angeles.
The Kuminga conundrum
However, Golden State‘s primary focus this summer remains on Jonathan Kuminga. Fischer reports the Warriors have been “unwavering” in their offer of a two-year, $45 million contract for the 22-year-old forward.
“Golden State has not been willing to offer the 22-year-old forward more than $45 million over two years, league sources say, in what would be the second NBA contract for 2021’s seventh overall pick,” Fischer wrote.
While the Warriors retain leverage due to Kuminga‘s restricted free agency, they are also taking a calculated risk. If Kuminga opts into his qualifying offer, he would become an unrestricted free agent next summer, potentially leaving Golden State without control over his future.
The standoff has created ripple effects throughout the front office. Until Kuminga‘s contract is resolved, the team appears hesitant to commit to other roster additions.
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