Negotiations between the Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga have narrowed to a single sticking point, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Appearing on NBA Today Tuesday, Slater said he spoke that morning with Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner. Turner told him the 22-year-old would immediately accept Golden State’s reported three-year, roughly $75 million offer if the third-year team option is converted to a player option. “Turn the TO to a PO and it’s done,” Turner said, per Slater.
The current proposal—first detailed Monday in a story co-reported by Slater and Shams Charania—includes a team option for 2027-28. Kuminga’s representatives want the forward to control that season, giving him a path to unrestricted free agency after two guaranteed years.
Slater noted that Kuminga is willing to accept a likely bench role, fluctuating minutes and the possibility of being traded, provided he receives the multiyear security and future flexibility a player option would provide.
Alternate Offers and Qualifying Deadline
ESPN reported the Warriors have also floated a separate three-year deal averaging about $18 million annually—with no option year—but Kuminga has shown little interest in that lower figure.
The former No. 7 overall pick can still sign his one-year, $8 million qualifying offer, which carries a no-trade clause and would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2026. That option expires Oct. 1.
Cap Strategy and Trade Talk
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that Golden State’s desire to maximize cap flexibility for the summer of 2027 is driving its reluctance to grant a player option in 2027-28. That stance also factors into the club’s hesitation to acquire Malik Monk, whose contract with Sacramento includes a $21.6 million player option for that same season.
Amick added that the Warriors halted sign-and-trade discussions involving Kuminga with both the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns earlier this offseason. Although talks could revive late in the process, league sources say a deal with either Pacific Division rival remains unlikely.
Keith Smith of Spotrac has published a detailed breakdown of the standoff, outlining potential outcomes for Kuminga, the Warriors and any interested trade partners.
The stalemate persists as training camp approaches, with a player option versus team option in 2027-28 now the pivotal issue.
Source: Hoops Rumors
