Golden State Warriors star Jonathan Kuminga is faced with a decision come Oct. 1. He can either take the $7.9 million qualifying offer and become a free agent next summer, or he can sign an extension with the Warriors.
The reported deal in place offered by the Warriors is a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option in 2026-27. Kuminga wanted a long-term deal or at least would like a player option for the second year in this offer so that he has the autonomy over his future.
Amid the standoff, the San Francisco Chronicle's Sam Gordon suggested Kuminga pick the qualifying offer. While he stands to earn way less than what the Warriors are willing to offer in their two-year deal, at least he stands to have massive upside regarding his contract if he does well in the upcoming season.
The qualifying offer, conversely, offers Kuminga unrestricted free agency one year sooner and with it the chance to find a fit and featured role through more preferable terms," Gordon wrote. "He’d sacrifice guaranteed money this season as he incurs injury risk, but sign-and-trade interest from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns suggests next summer he’ll maintain a market for his two-way upside."
What if Jonathan Kuminga takes the QO gamble?
Taking a qualifying offer of only $7.9 million comes with its own pros and cons. The QO gives Kuminga full control next offseason and a built-in no-trade veto for 2025-26. This is valued by his camp amid concerns of being shuttled around.
This could also result in the Warriors decreasing his playing time apart from injury risks associated with the game of basketball. However, if that happens, Golden State would hold minimal control. If Kuminga gets injured or has a dip in his performance, his trade value will go down.
It remains to be seen how both parties find their way forward as the Warriors want to finalize some other free agent contracts as well before the season begins.