UPDATE: Jonathan Kuminga is poised to accept a $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Golden State Warriors unless they improve their current contract proposals, his agent Aaron Turner confirmed to ESPN.
In a striking revelation, Turner stated that Kuminga’s decision hinges on the Warriors’ willingness to negotiate. “He wants to pick where he wants to go. So the QO is real for sure,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation just weeks before training camp.
The Warriors have presented Kuminga with multiple offers, including a lucrative three-year, $75.2 million deal with a team option in the third year. Despite the financial appeal, Kuminga has declined all proposals so far, insisting on a player option to ensure his future is secure.
“If the Warriors want to win now, you give him the player option,” Turner argued, highlighting the need for the team to respect Kuminga’s position.
As the only NBA team yet to sign a free agent this summer, the Warriors currently have only nine players on their roster. With just under two weeks until training camp, the stakes are high. Reports indicate that veterans Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II could join the team if Kuminga’s situation is resolved.
Kuminga’s acceptance of the qualifying offer would sacrifice over $40 million in guaranteed money over two seasons, but it would grant him unrestricted free agency next summer, allowing him to control his future. “There’s a lot of upside,” Turner noted, stressing the unique position Kuminga would hold in the market.
Competing teams like the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns are actively pursuing Kuminga, offering contracts that could elevate his career. The Kings have reportedly proposed a three-year deal worth between $63 and $66 million, while the Suns have gone even further with a four-year offer between $80 and $88 million.
“He’s gotten a chance to hear from other teams,” Turner revealed, explaining how these discussions have influenced Kuminga’s outlook.
Despite the allure of new opportunities, Turner clarified that Kuminga is not against returning to the Warriors. However, he emphasized that the team must acknowledge his potential and ambitions in their contract negotiations. “It’s about treating him fairly,” he stated. “He may be relegated to a bench role, which could hinder his development.”
With less than two weeks remaining before training camp, Kuminga and his representation face a critical decision. If negotiations continue to stall, the player could opt for the qualifying offer, which would eliminate any trade value and restrict his financial potential.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob has already attempted to resolve the contract dispute, meeting with Kuminga in Miami earlier in August. However, the situation remains unresolved as both sides navigate the complex dynamics of the negotiations.
As the clock ticks down, the pressure mounts for the Warriors to either finalize a deal or risk losing a valuable player to unrestricted free agency. Fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring this developing story, knowing that the outcome could significantly impact the Warriors’ championship aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds and the deadline approaches.
