Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency has cast a long shadow over the Golden State Warriors’ offseason, leaving the team in limbo as they prepare for next season. Amid the uncertainty, Kuminga’s teammates, particularly Brandin Podziemski, have rallied behind the young forward.
“Obviously, everybody on our team knows it’s the media’s job to try to nitpick and find things to write and talk about and separate teammates so they have a story to write,” Podziemski said on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard and Dibs” on Aug. 27. “Everybody in the locker room knows no matter how that situation’s resolved, it doesn’t change our viewpoint of JK as a person [and] as a player. Obviously, we all want him to be in the Golden State. That’s the whole point. But it doesn’t change anything.”
Kuminga Holds Out for Full Control
The 22-year-old Kuminga has refused the Warriors’ latest offer — a two-year, $45 million contract with a team option for the second year — signaling that his future in the Bay Area remains uncertain. The proposed structure would force him to give up the leverage of a player option and his inherent no-trade clause.
“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.”
Kuminga has threatened to accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer, giving him full control over his immediate future while paving the way for unrestricted free agency next summer. However, such a move carries risk: limited financial security if his playing role diminishes or injury strikes.
Despite the standoff, multiple teams around the league remain interested in negotiating a sign-and-trade deal for Kuminga. The Warriors have maintained a firm asking price: at least one unprotected first-round pick and a rotation-ready player.
Trade Talks Stall as Warriors Hold Firm
Getty Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
So far, the Warriors have rebuffed proposals from several suitors, including the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. The Suns offered Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and all available second-round picks alongside a four-year, $90 million contract framework for Kuminga. Sacramento initially proposed rookie Devin Carter, veteran Dario Saric, and two second-round picks before improving their offer to include Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick tied to a three-year, $63 million deal.
The Milwaukee Bucks also explored options, but talks stalled when Golden State asked for veteran Bobby Portis, a Steve Kerr favorite from Team USA.
The ongoing contract stalemate has left the Warriors’ offseason in flux, hindering their ability to fully execute plans to add free agents and bolster the roster. Multiple reports indicate the team has lined up moves for veterans such as Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II, but those deals remain on hold until Kuminga’s status is resolved.
Podziemski Rallies Around Teammate
GettyBrandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga celebrate as Stephen Curry gives them a stamp of approval from the bench.
Through the uncertainty, Podziemski emphasized that the contract battle has not disrupted the team’s focus or his own preparation for the coming season.
“The media is going to portray it one way to try and make people think differently of it,” Podziemski said. “But it doesn’t change my perspective. I know all I can control is being the best version of Brandin Podziemski that I can be going into my third year, and everything else is going to fall how it may.”
As the Warriors navigate the delicate balance of roster management, Kuminga’s stance and the team’s insistence on compensation continue to shape a tense and pivotal offseason for a team built around a 37-year-old Stephen Curry, whose championship window is rapidly closing.
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