NBA insider Jake Fischer told viewers during a Bleacher Report live stream on August 7 that four of this summer’s headline restricted free agents—Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors), Josh Giddey (Bulls), Quentin Grimes (76ers) and Cam Thomas (Nets)—are still locked in contract standoffs that could stretch well past August.
“We’re expecting all those situations to linger deeper into August and get into September as well,” Fischer said, adding that no quick resolution is in sight for any of the four negotiations.
Warriors–Kuminga Deadlock
Golden State has rejected sign-and-trade concepts from the Kings and Suns, preferring not to lose Kuminga for nothing, according to Fischer. Kuminga’s camp would accept either a three-year “two-plus-one” deal with a player option in Year 3 or a two-year, $45 million offer with a player option in Year 2. The Warriors are insisting that any second season be a team option, creating a stalemate.
With only nine players on standard contracts, Golden State’s other offseason business remains on hold. Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II are expected to sign only after Kuminga’s status is resolved, while Malcolm Brogdon, Seth Curry and Javonte Green are also on the club’s radar.
Bulls Balance Giddey and Coby White
Chicago continues to play hardball with Giddey, Fischer said, partly because guard Coby White—an unrestricted free agent next summer—reportedly wants more than $30 million per year on his next contract.
Nets’ Thomas May Take Qualifying Offer
Thomas appears the most likely of the four RFAs to sign his qualifying offer, Fischer noted. The high-scoring guard views himself as a $30 million-plus player, but Brooklyn has offered only short-term deals below that figure.
Imagem: Rory Maher via hoopsrumors.com
Trae Young’s Contract Outlook
Fischer confirmed earlier reports that Trae Young is disappointed the Hawks have not offered an extension but said Young’s camp anticipated the delay. The point guard can boost his next deal by earning All-NBA honors this season and holds a player option that would allow him to hit the open market in 2026 as the top free agent available.
Celtics, Grizzlies and Jazz Trade Notes
Before Georges Niang was moved to Utah, Boston discussed sending the veteran forward to Memphis during Summer League, Fischer reported. He added that a rumored framework of Anfernee Simons for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope “was never actually on the board.” Undrafted wing RJ Luis considered an offer from the Celtics before signing with Utah, where the Jazz plan to keep Niang as a locker-room leader. Fischer is now less certain Simons will be traded before the season.
Mathurin’s Expanded Role and Extension Timelines
Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin is expected to see a larger role while Tyrese Haliburton recovers from injury and is aiming for a new deal worth $20–30 million annually, Fischer said. He also predicted that many rookie-scale extensions and outstanding RFA agreements could wait until the October deadline.
Source: Hoops Rumors
