With training camp two weeks away, the Golden State Warriors and restricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga still have not found common ground on a new deal, leaving only nine guaranteed contracts on the club’s 2025-26 roster.
The Miami meeting that changed little
On Aug. 11, owner Joe Lacob flew to Miami for a face-to-face discussion with Kuminga, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and agent Aaron Turner. The Monday morning session followed six quiet weeks of free agency talks that had stalled over contract structure. Lacob needed to return to San Francisco that night for a Golden State Valkyries game, underscoring the urgency of the trip.
The Warriors asked whether Kuminga truly wanted to remain with the franchise. In response, the 22-year-old questioned the organization’s commitment to him, citing a proposal that included a team option in Year 2 and a request to waive his de facto no-trade clause.
Offers on the table
Golden State’s latest bid, extended late last week, is a three-year, $75.2 million package that guarantees $48.3 million over the first two seasons and gives the team an option for Year 3. Earlier offers included a two-year, $45 million framework with the same team control and, separately, a fully guaranteed three-year, $54 million deal averaging $18 million annually.
Kuminga’s camp has countered with multiple concepts, among them:
- a three-year, $82 million contract featuring a player option, presented during July’s summer-league gathering in Las Vegas;
- a one-year “bridge” agreement at an elevated salary that would supplant the $8 million qualifying offer, eliminate the no-trade clause and send the forward into unrestricted free agency next July.
All versions that include a player option have been rejected by the Warriors, while Turner and Kuminga have balked at any proposal containing a team option.
External interest and potential sign-and-trade frameworks
Phoenix has floated a four-year offer in the $80-88 million range, and Sacramento has discussed a three-year deal worth roughly $63-66 million, sources said; both scenarios carry player options. The Warriors have dismissed sign-and-trade ideas centered on offers such as Royce O’Neale and second-round picks from the Suns or Malik Monk and a future first from the Kings.
Qualifying offer looms
Kuminga can accept an $8 million qualifying offer until Oct. 1. Doing so would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2026 and grant him veto power over any trade this season. The choice would cost him up to $15.3 million in immediate salary but would give him full control of his next destination. He has taken out loss-of-value insurance in case he pursues that route, according to sources.
Roster, tax and timing considerations
The Warriors intend to remain below the second tax apron, limiting Kuminga’s 2025-26 starting salary to roughly $22.5 million if they fill all 15 roster spots and use the taxpayer mid-level exception. Veteran center Al Horford is the primary mid-level target, and the front office has also held talks with De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and Seth Curry.
If Kuminga signs the qualifying offer, Golden State would save close to $70 million in luxury tax penalties and keep his Bird rights, but risks losing the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft for no return next summer.
Where things stand
For now, both sides remain entrenched. Kuminga has spoken recently with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, who checked in on his mindset, but no agreement has materialized. Unless either party softens its stance, the standoff could persist until the qualifying-offer deadline—or beyond.
Source: ESPN
