Amid the contract stalemate between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga, several insiders have suggested that the Congolese forward has no intention of returning to the Bay Area and would prefer to play for another team. Draymond Green refuted these claims while speaking to reporters on Media Day.
Green believes that Kuminga wants to continue his career with the team that drafted him No. 7 overall in 2021, citing a conversation they had this offseason.
“I think anyone should want to be with the franchise that they started, and so do I think he still wants to be? I do still think he wants to be here. And he said that to me, that he still wants to be here,” Green said of Kuminga, via Kenzo Fukuda of ClutchPoints.
“When you’re still with the franchise that drafted you, I don’t care what has happened, you dont throw that in the middle of the ring and say, ‘hey, somebody else go take it’ because you never get it back.”
It’s A Business: Draymond Green
Green, entering his 14th season in the NBA, remains thankful that he’s been able to play for the same team for the entiriety of his career, and wishes the same for Kuminga.
“Once you move on to the next franchise, I’m thankful I’m going into year 14 with the same,” he said. “I’ve never had to experience that, but I’ve seen people go through it. It’s never the same. I know it’s business. It will never be the same.
“I know he still wants to be here. I think anyone should still want to be with the franchise that drafted them if you can. Once you leave that place, it’s just different.”
Jimmy Butler III organized a minicamp for the Warriors roster in September that Kuminga skipped due to his contractual dispute, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Kuminga Skips Preseason Camp
While many analysts felt Kuminga’s absence was a red flag — and a possible indicator of his inevitable exit from the Bay Area — many of his teammates, including Green, Stephen Curry and Butler himself, respected his decision during Media Day.
“It will get handled. I know both sides will be happy in the end,” Butler said of the unfortunate situation between Kuminga and the Warriors.
Green said he sympathizes with Kuminga and hopes that the 22-year-old can resolve his contract dispute and join his teammates for training camp.
“He’s got to do what he’s got to do for himself,” Green said of the fifth-year forward.
This is a business, and it’s unfortunate when the business side gets in front of things, but nonetheless, it is a business and you can’t ignore that side of things,” Green said. “Hopefully, none of them miss too much time and they’ll be here pretty soon, including him. We want him here. For anyone involved, it doesn’t feel good—you want to get in your rhythm, get in your flow, and do your thing. I feel for all those guys involved, including JK.”
Kuminga has until October 1 to sign his $7.9 million qualifying offer. If he does, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, while also owning a no-trade clause.
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