Warriors star Kuminga turns down $90 million offer as trade talks heat up
Jonathan Kuminga isn’t settling for less than what he thinks he’s worth. The Warriors’ restricted free agent reportedly rejected a four-year, $90 million contract offer that included a player option in the final year.
The Phoenix Suns have been pushing hardest to land the young forward, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.
Phoenix is offering Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and four second-round picks in a potential sign-and-trade deal. Not to be outdone, the Sacramento Kings have put Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and Malik Monk on the table.
Sacramento recently sweetened their offer with a conditional first-round pick and a rotation player. But Golden State isn’t biting – they want an unprotected first-rounder.
The Warriors seem ready to walk away from the negotiating table altogether. They’re “uninterested” in what both teams have offered so far and have “begun signaling a plan to cut off sign-and-trade conversations entirely.”
This standoff could keep Kuminga in a Warriors uniform a bit longer. Golden State extended a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer to him in June, making him a restricted free agent.
That qualifying offer would let Kuminga test unrestricted free agency next summer, but it’s way below what NBA executives think he’s worth.
Kuminga sends clear message to Warriors
Kuminga isn’t hiding his feelings about the situation. He posted on Instagram: “I’ll bet on myself all day,” while tagging his agent, Aaron Turner.
The post came after reports that he’s turning down a two-year, $45 million offer from Golden State.
Why the rejection? According to Charania and Slater, the Warriors want a team option for the second season and won’t give Kuminga a no-trade clause.
Taking the qualifying offer would be a huge risk for the young forward. The NBA’s financial landscape is tight right now – only the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz have positive cap space. Brooklyn is the only team with at least $40 million available.
Kuminga could find himself in the same tough spot next summer if he doesn’t secure a long-term deal now.
The former first-round pick just finished his rookie contract, which paid him $28.9 million over four years. After showing significant improvement last season, he’s clearly looking for a payday that matches his potential.
