Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors Restart Contract Talks Amid Standoff
The situation between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors has been heating up again, and it looks like both sides are back at the negotiating table. Reports have come out saying that the Warriors and Kuminga have reopened contract discussions after weeks of uncertainty, but just because talks have resumed doesn’t mean things are any closer to being resolved.
NBA insider Anthony Slater mentioned recently that there’s been “renewed conversations,” with both the team and Kuminga’s camp sharing different contract ideas. The main issue seems to be what role Kuminga will play going forward and whether the Warriors truly see him as part of their long-term foundation. From Kuminga’s perspective, he wants a deal that reflects his value as more than just a trade chip or backup option.
This all comes after last season, when Golden State traded for Jimmy Butler. That move pushed Kuminga further down in Steve Kerr’s rotation, and his minutes became inconsistent. For a 22-year-old still trying to prove himself, that lack of opportunity has only added to the frustration. The Warriors even explored trade talks, including a potential framework with the Sacramento Kings, but nothing ever materialized.
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Kuminga, who was drafted seventh overall back in 2021, has always been seen as a player with massive upside. The Warriors envisioned him as someone who could grow into an All-Star, but with Butler and Steph Curry carrying most of the offensive load, Kuminga hasn’t had the chance to shine in that way. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but the consistency hasn’t been there to make him untouchable in the lineup.
Now the big question is about money. Reports suggest Golden State has put a two-year, $45 million deal on the table with a team option, but that structure gives the Warriors most of the control. Kuminga, on the other hand, wants a contract that provides more security and influence over his future. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne even suggested that adding an extra year might be the “easy fix,” creating a compromise where Kuminga gets more stability while the Warriors still protect themselves financially.
What makes things even more complicated is Kuminga’s own view of his value. According to one report, he believes he should be compensated on the same level as Cade Cunningham or Scottie Barnes—players from his draft class who have already made All-Star teams and established themselves as franchise cornerstones. The problem is, Kuminga hasn’t reached that level yet. He has the talent, no doubt, but his role in Golden State hasn’t allowed him to show it consistently.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are in a tough spot. They don’t want to lose a young player with so much potential, especially with an aging core built around Curry. At the same time, they can’t justify handing out a superstar-level contract when the production hasn’t matched that standard.
So, with training camp just around the corner, both sides are under pressure to find a solution. Will the Warriors give Kuminga the kind of deal he wants? Or will he take a short-term approach, betting on himself to prove his worth somewhere down the line? For now, it’s a standoff filled with tension, but at least conversations are happening again—and that’s a step in the right direction.
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