The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga have been unable to meet in the middle on a long-term contract extension.
Arguably, the most high-profile restricted free agent of the offseason has been the Warriors forward, and it is seeming increasingly likely that a deal won't be struck as the October 1 deadline approaches.
While both sides could agree to push the deadline back another week, a recent report indicated that isn't under consideration.
Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga Headed Towards Qualifying Offer
NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed in his column that a decision will be made by the extension deadline, with the qualifying offer the most likely outcome.
"Kuminga and the Warriors have had no discussions about pushing back his deadline to accept the qualifying offer, sources told The Stein Line. The Warriors likewise do not appear willing to revamp the most recent offers they've made to Kuminga," wrote Fischer.
"The two most notable are a three-year pact worth $75 million and a two-year pitch worth $45 million — both of which feature a team option rather than a player option in the final season. Kuminga's camp has pushed hard to try to turn those options into player options while Warriors officials maintain that they will not come off their team option-or-bust stance."
Golden State is clearly taking a hard-line approach with their former No. 7 overall pick, but at what cost to themselves?
With Kuminga playing on the qualifying offer, it essentially boils down to a one-year deal that includes a no-trade clause.
Essentially, Kuminga will be able to test the open market next Summer, and the Warriors will be unable to use him as a trade chip throughout the 2025-26 season. It seems after a long, drawn-out offseason of negotiations, the former G League Ignite star is getting the better end of the deal here.
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- Warriors get bad news as Jonathan Kuminga situation nears conclusion
- Warriors trade idea ships out Jonathan Kuminga for former Sixth Man of the Year runner-up
- Warriors almost selected this ascending star over Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 NBA Draft