Golden State Warriors ramp up offer to $75.2M as Jonathan Kuminga’s contract saga unfolds
As the deadline to accept his qualifying offer looms, the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga find themselves in a tense negotiation over a new contract. The stakes are high, and both sides are looking to assert their positions amid a flurry of discussions.
Warriors revise contract proposal
Initially, the Warriors extended a two-year, $45 million offer to the young forward, which included a team option for the second year. However, the landscape has shifted as Golden State has now increased its proposal to a notable $75.2 million over three years, incorporating a team option for the third year, according to reports from reputable sources. This adjustment reflects the franchise’s recognition of Kuminga’s potential and the urgency surrounding the negotiations.
Despite the uptick in the offer, it appears that the 22-year-old is not keen on a deal that retains a team option. As the situation stands, Kuminga is set to miss the Warriors’ media day on Monday, with just days remaining until the Wednesday deadline to accept his qualifying offer of $7.9 million.
Curry’s perspective on Kuminga’s situation
Superstar point guard Stephen Curry recently weighed in on the ongoing stalemate, expressing a blend of understanding and expectation regarding Kuminga’s approach. While Curry respects Kuminga’s decision-making process, he anticipates that the forward will be ready to contribute once he rejoins the team. “When he’s here and ready to work, we expect him to be locked in,” Curry remarked, highlighting the faith the franchise has in Kuminga’s abilities.
Kuminga’s performance has faced fluctuations over the past season. His playing time and efficiency dipped during the 2024-25 campaign, exacerbated by a sprained right ankle that sidelined him for more than two months. Across 47 regular-season games, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, shooting 45.4 percent from the field in about 24.3 minutes per game.
Impact in the postseason
During the playoffs, Kuminga’s role shifted dramatically. Although he saw limited minutes in the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, he stepped up significantly when Curry was sidelined in the critical final games of the postseason. In the last four matches of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he showcased his talent, averaging 24.3 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 55.4 percent from the field in 31.0 minutes per game.
Looking ahead
As the deadline approaches, the prospect of a resolution remains uncertain. It would not be surprising to see Kuminga opt to accept the qualifying offer, placing faith in himself to elevate his stock before entering unrestricted free agency next summer. As negotiations continue, the basketball community will be watching closely, eager to see how this pivotal moment in Kuminga’s career unfolds.
