Warriors’ Reportedly ‘Concerned’ About Jonathan Kuminga’s ‘Fit’ with Healthy Roster

When it comes to restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, the Golden State Warriors “remain concerned about his fit when the full core is healthy,” according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

Slater pointed out how the final stretch of the 2024-25 season underscored the dilemma with the 22-year-old.

Kuminga missed the final game of the regular season and suited up just twice in the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets. Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury necessitated his inclusion back in the lineup, and he averaged 24.3 points on 55.4 percent shooting in Golden State’s last four contests with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.

Kuminga will understandably point to that sample as evidence of what he can do with a larger role. The Warriors, for their part, will argue they didn’t win any of those four games and that playing well without Curry doesn’t prove much when the two-time MVP is such a huge component of their offense.

The two sides remain deadlocked, though a resolution could come soon. Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to sign the one-year qualifying offer, and signing that would set him up for unrestricted free agency next summer.

Should the 6’8″ forward want more financial security, the saga will drag on indeterminately.

Slater and ESPN colleague Shams Charania reported on Sept. 15 that Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. presented Kuminga’s reps with a three-year, $75.2 million offer. The Warriors want a team option in Year 3, which is a sticking point in negotiations.

In terms of a full guaranteed deal, Golden State is only prepared to give him $54 million over three years.

The lack of tangible progress speaks for itself and the longer this goes on the harder it is to picture Kuminga having a long-term future in the Bay Area.

Source link