The Warriors “aren’t currently prepared” to offer Jonathan Kuminga a max extension worth $224M over five years, or any contract that even approaches that number, reports The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
If the two sides don’t agree on a deal by Oct. 21 the fourth-year forward will become a restricted free agent in 2025, giving other teams a chance to bid on him with offers the Warrriors can match.
Slater’s report added that a “clear divide remains” between Kuminga and Warriors in extension discussions, with the two sides possibly reaching a “reasonable middle ground” in the “$30-ish million” range as the deadline approaches.
If one reads the tea leaves here, Kuminga’s long-term future in the Bay does not look promising.
It’s rarely a healthy sign when a former No. 7 overall pick is allowed to hit restricted free agency. Typically, talented youngsters like Kuminga are locked up early. Case in point: Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner — four other top-10 picks from Kuminga’s draft class — have all been secured for the long haul by their respective teams.
Some would argue Kuminga is just as talented — if not more than that quartet — but hasn’t received the same opportunities playing on a veteran squad still vying for championships. To that end, Kuminga has averaged 21.5 minutes per game through his first three seasons. The other three have all clocked over 30.
Why didn’t they trade him for a star?
The Warriors’ unwillingness to max out Kuminga begs the question: Do they really believe in him? And if they don’t, why didn’t they trade him for a Paul George or Lauri Markkanen?
According to multiple insiders, the Warriors were reluctant to part with Kuminga in deals that would have landed them either George or Markkanen this offseason. By adding either All-Star, the Warriors would have given the aging Stephen Curry a chance to compete for a championship. Curry turns 37 in March.
If Kuminga fails to take the star leap in the 2024-25 season, the Warriors erred by not trading him when they had the chance. Now, they could have a disgruntled asset who has already reportedly butted heads with head coach Steve Kerr over lack of playing time.
The irony of it all is the Warriors continue to rave about Kuminga’s upside. Be it Kerr, Joe Lacob or Draymond Green, everyone has spoken of Kuminga as a surefire future star.
Yet, their actions suggest they don’t truly believe in the 21-year-old forward.
