Contract Dispute Overview
In the heart of San Francisco, a contract dispute involving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is poised to disrupt the upcoming NBA activities. As of this weekend, Kuminga was not seen traveling to the city and is set to miss Monday’s media day, according to insider reports from ESPN.
Current Negotiations
On Sunday, Mike Dunleavy, the general manager of the Golden State Warriors, reached out to Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, yet progress towards a new contract—or Kuminga’s participation in the Warriors’ practice scheduled for Tuesday—remains stagnant.
Currently, the Warriors have three contract proposals on the table for Kuminga, who has shown hesitance towards them. The most attractive offers include:
- A two-year deal worth $45 million
- A three-year contract totaling $75.2 million, both featuring team options for the final year.
- A third option, a three-year agreement without a team option, stands at $54 million.
Reports indicate that Kuminga is seeking deals that provide a player option as a gesture of goodwill, amid frustrations he and his team have expressed regarding his evolving role under head coach Steve Kerr and the looming prospect of a midseason trade.
Negotiation Power and Deadline
Kuminga’s negotiation power is particularly strong due to a qualifying offer of $8 million, which he must make a decision on by Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Should he opt for this qualifier, he would forfeit an additional $15.3 million but gain a no-trade clause and potentially unrestricted free agency in 2026. This situation places the Warriors in a precarious position, as they risk losing the seventh overall pick from the past draft without compensation.
The Warriors are adamant about not incorporating a player option in their offers, insisting that Kuminga must either accept one of their current proposals or proceed with the qualifying offer by the upcoming deadline. Furthermore, ongoing discussions regarding sign-and-trade opportunities with teams like the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have shown little advancement.
Impact on Team Roster
This standoff affects the Warriors’ broader roster maneuvers this offseason, although they did secure a multi-year deal with veteran player Al Horford. His contract terms are contingent on the resolution of Kuminga’s situation, leaving Horford unable to finalize his signing or participate in practice until clarity emerges. The availability of other recent signings, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton, for the initial practice remains uncertain as well.
In tandem with these developments, the Warriors welcomed second-round rookie guard Will Richard, bringing their roster count to 13. The team hopes to have Kuminga as the 14th player, but his decision on a contract must come before the qualifying offer deadline. Discussions are also ongoing with Seth Curry, yet Kuminga’s contract agreement will shape whether the Warriors can secure a 15th player while adhering to salary cap regulations.
