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Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are still searching for clarity on restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, whose unresolved contract situation has been the defining storyline of their offseason.
As the standoff stretches closer to training camp, Golden State’s stars are stepping in. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania, both Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green reached out to Kuminga in recent weeks to check on “his plans and his mindset.”
Warriors’ Stalemate Puts Kuminga in the Spotlight
Kuminga has been at the center of a messy negotiation process with Golden State. The Warriors have offered multiple short-term deals with team options, while Kuminga’s camp has pushed for stronger guarantees and greater control over his future.
ESPN’s report noted that owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy even flew to Miami in August to meet with Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, in hopes of breaking the deadlock.
But the key sticking point remains contract structure. Golden State wants flexibility with a deal that could be moved before the trade deadline. Kuminga wants security and a bigger role.
Lacob’s History of Backing Kuminga
The stalemate may be frustrating, but it’s hardly the first time the Warriors have doubled down on their belief in Kuminga. Team owner Joe Lacob has been one of his strongest advocates since draft night in 2021.
As ESPN previously reported, Lacob refused to include Kuminga in a proposed deal with the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso a few seasons back. The two-time NBA champion was a tempting piece for Golden State. But Lacob nixed the trade, citing his long-term faith in Kuminga’s upside.
That confidence hasn’t wavered. Even this offseason, the Warriors turned down trade offers that would have sent Kuminga out. Most notably, they rejected a proposal from the Sacramento Kings that centered on Malik Monk and a first-round pick, per ESPN.
Golden State may not be meeting Kuminga’s preferred terms. But their actions show they’re unwilling to give him up for what they see as below-market value.
Warriors Waiting on Kuminga Before Adding Free Agents
Getty Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Al Horford of the Boston Celtics.
Golden State supposedly has a host of free agents ready to sign once the Kuminga situation is resolved. ESPN’s Slater and Charania reported Monday that the Warriors have engaged in strong discussions with several veterans. That list includes Seth Curry.
The team also has deals lined up for center Al Horford, guard De’Anthony Melton and defensive specialist Gary Payton II. Those signings are on hold. Nothing can move forward until Golden State knows how Kuminga’s contract will be structured. And whether he will be part of the long-term plan.
What It Means for the Warriors Moving Forward
The outreach from Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green shows Golden State’s leadership is taking an active role in keeping Kuminga engaged. But the unresolved situation still threatens to spill into the season. With Stephen Curry still carrying their championship window, the Warriors can’t afford distractions.
Kuminga is the piece that triggers the rest of their plans. That includes rotations under Steve Kerr and the potential free-agent signings waiting in the wings. Until a deal is struck, the franchise remains stuck in a holding pattern.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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