URGENT UPDATE: Tensions are rising between the Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga as critical contract negotiations drag into September. Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy held a crucial meeting on August 11, 2023, in Miami to address a stalemate that has significant implications for the team’s roster ahead of training camp.
The Warriors are reportedly offering Kuminga a $21.7 million salary for the upcoming season, which would make him the fourth highest-paid player on the team. However, Kuminga has expressed reluctance to accept due to the team option in the second year and the waiver of his no-trade clause, signaling a deeper desire for control over his career.
As the NBA season approaches, the Warriors face an urgent deadline with only nine of their 15 roster spots filled. The stakes are high—Kuminga’s decision could set off a domino effect for the team’s future plans.
In the wake of this stalemate, Kuminga’s star teammates, including Draymond Green, have reached out to check on his mindset. Meanwhile, Dunleavy has ramped up negotiations, recently offering a revised three-year, $75.2 million deal with a team option in the third year. This latest proposal mirrors the contract structure of restricted free agent Josh Giddey, who signed a lucrative four-year deal worth $100 million with the Chicago Bulls this summer.
However, the Warriors’ insistence on a team option continues to be a sticking point. Kuminga is holding out for a more favorable contract that includes a player option, believing it should command a higher annual salary. The Warriors have so far resisted this, complicating negotiations further.
Another intriguing proposal was floated: a one-year deal that would allow Kuminga to secure a higher salary while positioning him for unrestricted free agency next summer. Yet, this approach has been met with resistance from the Warriors’ front office, fearing they would lose Kuminga for nothing if he opts for the qualifying offer.
“Do you want to be here?” Lacob reportedly asked Kuminga during their meeting, a question reflecting the urgency of the situation.
As the October 1 deadline for the qualifying offer looms, Kuminga finds himself at a crossroads. Accepting the offer would mean a secure but limited financial future, while rejecting it opens the door for potential unrestricted free agency in 2024—a gamble he is willing to take.
The Warriors, entering the final years of Stephen Curry’s championship window, are well aware that their roster decisions could impact their competitiveness in the upcoming season. With a strategic plan in place to pursue key free agents, including Al Horford and Gary Payton II, the team must resolve the Kuminga situation swiftly.
As both sides continue to negotiate, trust appears to be waning. The question remains: can the Warriors and Kuminga find common ground, or will this standoff lead to a significant roster shakeup before the season begins?
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the clock ticks down on a critical season for the Warriors.
