Jonathan Kuminga has made his intentions clear to the Golden State Warriors.
The 22-year-old forward has resisted the team’s latest offer — a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option for the second year — signaling that his future in the Bay Area remains uncertain.
Kuminga has balked at the structure of the proposed contract, which would force him to give up the leverage of a player option and the inherent no-trade clause tied to such a two-year offer.
“The only reason Kuminga hasn’t accepted this contract is because he truly doesn’t want to return to the Warriors,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported. “To change his mind … an understanding of what Kuminga wants will need to be at the forefront.”
Betting on Himself
Instead of committing to Golden State, Kuminga has threatened to sign the $7.9 million qualifying offer, giving him control over his immediate future and paving the way to unrestricted free agency next summer. Such a move, however, comes with risk. Accepting the one-year tender would provide little financial security should his role diminish or injury strike.
Instagram/Jonathan KumingaJonathan Kuminga posts a powerful message on his Instagram story amid his contract standoff with the Golden State Warriors.
Still, Kuminga and his camp remain emboldened by interest across the league.
Multiple teams have shown a willingness to negotiate sign-and-trade scenarios, though Golden State has been firm in its asking price: at least one unprotected first-round pick and a rotation-ready player.
The Warriors have already rejected proposals from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns..
According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, the Suns dangled Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards and all their available second-round picks alongside a four-year, $90 million contract framework for Kuminga. Sacramento first offered rookie Devin Carter, veteran forward Dario Saric and two second-round picks before upping the ante to guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick, tied to a three-year, $63 million deal.
The Milwaukee Bucks also explored possibilities, but talks stalled when Golden State asked for Bobby Portis, a favorite of coach Steve Kerr from their Team USA connection.
A Growing Divide
The negotiating gap remains significant.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Kuminga’s camp has stood firm, unwilling to consider any offer without a player option attached. Phoenix’s four-year, $90 million proposal with a player option in Year 4 remains the high-water mark.
“No Warriors offer to date has come close to the four years and roughly $90 million that Phoenix had been prepared to furnish him,” Fischer wrote.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater added that Kuminga’s representatives described Golden State’s current stance as treating the young forward like a “pawn.”
If Kuminga accepts the qualifying offer by the Oct. 1 deadline, the Warriors would lose valuable trade flexibility. A lower salary and the no-trade protections tied to the offer would make it difficult to recoup meaningful assets should they decide to move him.
Warriors’ Offseason on Hold
The stalemate has cast a shadow over the Golden State’s summer. The Warriors’ only confirmed move so far has been the addition of untested swingman Taevion Kinsey, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Kinsey, a G League regular, has yet to make his NBA debut.
League sources told multiple outlets the Warriors have interest in veteran free agents Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II, but they are unlikely to finalize any significant deals until Kuminga’s situation is resolved.
For now, the Warriors face an uneasy balance: trying to keep one of their most promising young players in the fold while managing the financial constraints of a roster still built around Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga’s clear message — and the Warriors’ stubborn refusal to resolve the impasse — threatens to derail not just their offseason but potentially their entire season and Curry’s remaining championship window.
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