Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga remained away from the Golden State Warriors on Monday, extending a contract dispute that has now interrupted the club’s media day and threatens to carry into the opening of training camp.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, Kuminga did not travel to San Francisco over the weekend and will miss Tuesday’s first practice unless an agreement is reached. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. spoke with agent Aaron Turner on Sunday, but the sides made no progress.
Multiple Offers Still on the Table
Golden State has left three proposals untouched:
- Two years, $45 million, with a team option in the final season
- Three years, $75.2 million, with a team option in the final season
- Three years, $54 million, fully guaranteed with no option
Kuminga’s camp has rejected a team-option structure without a higher salary figure and views a player option as a “good-faith gesture” following what it calls years of uncertainty about his role under head coach Steve Kerr.
Deadline Looms
The 21-year-old forward can sign a one-year, $8 million qualifying offer that expires Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Accepting the QO would cut more than $15 million from his immediate earnings but would deliver an inherent no-trade clause and position him for unrestricted free agency in 2026, when leaguewide cap space is expected to rise.
Team officials want to avoid that scenario and have refused to add a player option, insisting Kuminga choose one of their offers or the qualifying offer before Wednesday night, per ESPN.
Ripple Effects on Roster Moves
The unresolved deal is delaying other Warriors transactions. Veteran center Al Horford has committed to a multiyear contract, but the final figures cannot be set until Kuminga’s cap number is determined. The same holdup applies to recently agreed returns for Gary Payton II and DeAnthony Melton, whose participation in Tuesday’s practice is still uncertain.
Golden State currently lists 13 signed players after inking second-round pick Will Richard. The organization envisions Kuminga as the 14th, while conversations with Seth Curry about the 15th spot hinge on whether the club can remain below the league’s second apron.
Sign-and-trade talks with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have stalled, leaving Wednesday’s deadline as the next critical point in the standoff.
Source: Hoops Wire
