The Golden State Warriors may have made a decision regarding Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency. While the team has been listening to offers about a potential Kuminga sign and trade, none of the offers seem to be moving the needle for the Warriors front office. So, while everyone is waiting on the news of a Kuminga trade to hit their timeline, a recent report indicates that the Warriors may be moving in a different direction with Kuminga.
NBA insider Tim Kawakami reported that the Warriors may no longer be engaging in Kuminga trade conversations.
“The Warriors unenthusiastically engaged in a few sign-and-trade discussions, but a source says they’re now out on those talks and that Jonathan Kuminga will be on the team this season.”
This decision is a huge risk for the Warriors. Kuminga has made it clear that he is not interested in returning to Golden State, and a bad attitude like that could be a poison in the locker room.
Additionally, if Kuminga decides to take the qualifying offer, the Warriors will lose him after this season for nothing. Right now, they at least have the opportunity to make a Kuminga sign and trade and recuperate some assets.
Supposedly, there is a Kuminga-Kings trade offer on the table for Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick. Getting a scorer and playmaker of Monk’s caliber could be much better than having a surly Kuminga complaining about his role all of next season.
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Still, this could also end up benefiting both Kuminga and the Warriors. Let’s say Kuminga signs the two-year deal the Warriors have offered him. He will get paid at least $20 million for this season, and the Warriors will likely try to trade him before the deadline. Kuminga will get his wish to get out of Golden State, and the Warriors can get a better trade package in return.
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