Warriors, Kuminga still without agreement on rookie extension
warriors-kuminga-contract-impasse
Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga remains without a rookie-scale extension, leaving him as one of the few high lottery picks from the 2021 NBA Draft still unsigned, according to a report by Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Six of the first eight selections from that draft class have already finalized lucrative long-term deals. Kuminga, chosen seventh overall, has not reached common ground with the Warriors, and discussions are described as “far apart.”
A league source told the Chronicle that the 21-year-old forward views himself in the same financial tier as fellow top-three picks Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes, both of whom secured major extensions this offseason. “He thinks he should get that type of contract,” the source said, calling the impasse “bad for the Warriors and bad for him.”
Circumstances have complicated the negotiation. Kuminga joined an established championship contender and has not enjoyed the consistent minutes normally afforded to high lottery selections. In addition, this summer’s restricted free-agent market has been unusually subdued, reducing external leverage.
Training camp is still several weeks away, and neither side is expected to bridge the gap quickly. The stalemate could linger well into September if progress remains slow.
Source: Hoops Wire
