The Golden State Warriors have been stuck in neutral this summer. Jonathan Kuminga‘s contract standoff has seen the Warriors become the only franchise not to add any new faces during the offseason.
Golden State’s inactivity hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning, though. They’ve been linked with a potential move for LeBron James all summer. On August 22, those rumors picked up pace once again. NBA Insider Jake Fischer reiterated the franchise’s interest in the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.
However, Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes those rumors may be coming from the Warriors camp. He pointed toward their struggles this summer as a reason to leak out interest in James, knowing that the Lakers would shoot it down.
“I would assume this came out from the Warriors side,” Buha said. “…They’ve had a rough summer. They have not been able to make any moves because of this Kuminga situation. It’s been drama-filled, but also stagnant at the same time…But it also benefits the Warriors to make their front office, their organization, look like they’re trying to do something.”
The Warriors are firmly in win-now mode. A deal to add LeBron next to Stephen Curry would undoubtedly make sense for their current goals. However, given his current $52.6 million salary and what the Lakers would likely want in a deal, a trade is highly unlikely.
Warriors Standing Strong on Kuminga Offer
According to Fischer, the Warriors have been “unwavering” in their offer of a two-year $45 million deal for Kuminga.
“Golden State has not been willing to offer the 22-year-old forward more than $45 million over two years, league sources say, in what would be the second NBA contract for 2021’s seventh overall pick,” Fischer wrote. “The Warriors have been unwavering in their stance that the deal structure include a team option in its second season for the 2026-27 campaign and that any agreement would force Kuminga to waive his right to grant consent on any trade during the 2025-26 season, when the bouncy swingman would be classified as a One-Year Bird.”
Golden State is playing a risky game. While they have control over Kuminga’s immediate future due to his restricted free agency, they’re running the risk of him opting into his qualifying offer. If he chooses to go down that route, he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Warriors Must Find a Middle Ground
It’s understandable why the Warriors are holding their ground. However, they have other business that needs taking care of. Currently, it’s clear that the front office is hesitant to add new talent until the Kuminga cap hit for the upcoming season is confirmed.
Still, the franchise has six open roster spots. Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton are reportedly waiting in the wings and will sign once Kuminga’s situation is resolved. Nevertheless, that would still leave the Warriors seeking another four new faces.
The longer the Kuminga situation takes, the fewer options the Warriors have available. Golden State is in a tough spot. Yet, with training camp on the horizon, they must start making some moves. Otherwise, they will be forced to rush through business ahead of the preseason.
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