Warriors, Kuminga finally strike deal: $48.5 million over two years
The long standoff between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga is over. The two sides have agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract that ends weeks of uncertainty.
Golden State managed to keep the second year as a team option, but had to bump their initial offer by $8 million to get the deal done. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report the agreement.
Interestingly, Kuminga turned down a three-year, $75 million offer that would have given him less control over his future. He’s also waiving his no-trade clause, making him eligible to be traded starting January 15.
This resolution was expected after news broke that the Warriors were signing Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II – all of whom had been in limbo while the Kuminga negotiations dragged on.
Kuminga now becomes the fourth-highest paid Warrior this season, trailing only Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Both Phoenix and Sacramento had shown interest in acquiring the young forward through sign-and-trade deals.
With Cam Thomas and Josh Giddey recently sorting out their restricted free agency situations, Quentin Grimes remains the only player still working through the process with the Philadelphia 76ers.
What This Means for Warriors Chemistry
Kuminga has already missed Media Day and the first day of training camp while working through his contract situation.
It’s fair to wonder if this resolution might just be the beginning of another waiting game. Kuminga now knows exactly where he stands with the organization and may be eyeing a move when he becomes trade-eligible in January.
In the meantime, the Warriors are trying to compete for a championship. The big question: Will Kuminga buy into a team-first approach or focus more on showcasing his talents for potential trade partners?
He put up 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 games last season. When Curry was injured in the playoffs, Kuminga really stepped up, averaging an impressive 24.3 points in the final four games against Minnesota in the second round.
Golden State tips off their season October 21 on the road against the Lakers.
