The Golden State Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga have reached agreement on a two-year deal valued at $48.5 million, ending the player’s restricted free agency, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The contract includes a team option for the second season, a provision the Warriors had sought throughout the negotiations. Golden State raised its original proposal by $8 million to complete the agreement; Kuminga’s qualifying offer had been for one year at $8 million.
League sources said Kuminga turned down a separate three-year, $75 million offer that would have offered him less control over his future. As part of the new pact, the 21-year-old has waived his no-trade clause and becomes eligible to be moved on Jan. 15.
Roster implications
Kuminga’s new salary ranks fourth on the Warriors this season, trailing only Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. The forward had missed Media Day and the opening session of training camp while talks continued.
Phoenix and Sacramento had explored sign-and-trade scenarios for Kuminga before the agreement. Around the league, only Philadelphia’s Quentin Grimes remains unsigned among prominent restricted free agents after recent deals for Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas and Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey.
Recent performance
Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 games last season. Filling a larger role during Stephen Curry’s postseason absence, he posted 24.3 points per game over the final four contests of the Western Conference semifinals against Minnesota.
The Warriors open the regular season on Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: Basketball Insiders
