The Golden State Warriors have been at a standstill for most of the offseason.
Thanks to Jonathan Kuminga's ongoing restricted free agency, they have been unable to sign or trade for any players. Golden State's former No. 7 overall pick has been adamant about certain extension demands, such as a player option and no-trade clause.
While the Warriors don't seem inclined to give him what he's looking for, a new report suggests they may have to start adhering to his wishes; otherwise, they risk losing him for good.
Jonathan Kuminga Headed Towards Qualifying Offer
According to a report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Kuminga is "now preparing to accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer, unless the Warriors improve their offer soon."
This would be bad news for Golden State, as the qualifying offer shakes out to a one-year deal with a built-in no-trade clause. This would restrict the Warriors from using Kuminga as a trade chip and allow him to enter unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026.
The Warriors have had a troubling history with their former G League Ignite star, which included multiple public disputes with head coach Steve Kerr and even a previous trade request.
Clearly, Kuminga has no interest in doing Golden State favors in negotiations and would much prefer to find his way to a team that will utilize him the way he sees fit.
Teams with reported interest include the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, both of which offer Kuminga a higher-usage role than his current one in the Bay Area.
The deadline for restricted free agency negotiations is October 1, and as we get closer and closer to that date, it has become increasingly obvious that Kuminga will accept the qualifying offer, play one last year in Golden State, and find his new home next summer.