Warriors Now Expected to Keep Jonathan Kuminga as Sign-and-Trade Talks Stall
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The Golden State Warriors no longer appear poised to move forward with a sign-and-trade involving restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, according to multiple reports.
Talks With Suns, Kings Lose Momentum
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that proposed transactions sending the 21-year-old to either the Phoenix Suns or Sacramento Kings are now viewed as “unlikely” unless those clubs significantly improve their current offers. Golden State had entertained sign-and-trade concepts earlier in the offseason.
Warriors Raise Contract Offer
General manager Mike Dunleavy has increased the team’s proposal to three years and $75.2 million, ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania reported. The offer guarantees Kuminga $48.3 million over the first two seasons; the third year is a team option. The annual salary mirrors the $25 million average secured by fellow restricted free agent Josh Giddey, who re-upped with the Chicago Bulls on a four-year, $100 million agreement.
Competing Proposals From Pacific Division Rivals
Earlier in the summer, the Suns and Kings each discussed four-year packages worth roughly $90 million that included a player option for the final season. According to Slater, the Warriors sought at least a 2030 first-round pick and a young player in return while refusing to absorb undesirable contracts. Kuminga was reportedly open to joining Sacramento.
Roster-Building Strategy Limits Flexibility
Golden State plans to deploy its taxpayer midlevel exception to round out the roster, with veteran center Al Horford and guards De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry identified as potential targets. Sources told Slater and Charania that stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green support the front office’s approach.
However, signing additional help would hard-cap the club at the second tax apron, capping Kuminga’s 2024-25 salary at $22.5 million if the roster is maxed out at 15 players—an amount the forward has thus far rejected in a multi-year deal tied to a team option.
Qualifying Offer Deadline
Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to accept a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, though that deadline can be extended by mutual agreement, Hoops Rumors’ Luke Adams noted.
Source: Basketball Insiders
