Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency remains unsettled, with the Golden State Warriors holding a decisive advantage as they negotiate his next contract. According to NBA executive Bobby Marks, the Warriors are in a commanding position in talks with the 22-year-old wing, shaping the outcome largely on their terms.
Marks shared his insight during an interview on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs show, explaining the constrained leverage Kuminga currently faces amid a challenging salary cap environment.
Limited Options for Kuminga Amid NBA Cap Restrictions
Marks underscored that Kuminga’s bargaining power is minimal because the young player’s most viable option is to accept the qualifying offer for $7.9 million, effectively postponing a more lucrative deal until next offseason.
I mean listen, [Kuminga] has got no leverage. The only leverage he has right now is to sign the qualifying offer at $7.9 million and then try and go out in free agency next offseason,
—Bobby Marks, NBA executive
He pointed to the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent move to waive Damian Lillard, taking on a sizable $25 million annual contract over five years just to clear cap space. This example highlighted how difficult it is for teams to find flexibility under current salary constraints.
Further narrowing Kuminga’s prospects is the scarcity of teams with cap space, with Marks noting the Brooklyn Nets as the only potential suitor. Still, he did not anticipate the Nets pursuing an offer sheet for Kuminga.
The only team out there that has cap space is [the Brooklyn Nets] and I don’t see them putting [in] an offer sheet [for Kuminga]. Of course there’s the sign-and-trade mechanism, but that requires cooperation from Golden State as far as what salaries they would want to take back in a deal here.
—Bobby Marks, NBA executive
Salary Cap Uncertainty Limits Warriors’ Offseason Aggressiveness
The Warriors’ own free agency strategy is affected by the unresolved Kuminga situation, as the unknown cost of his contract clouds their salary cap calculations. Marks emphasized that whatever contract Kuminga signs will likely reflect Golden State’s preferred terms rather than the player’s demands.
If he’s going to be on a long-term contract, it’s basically going to be on the terms of the Warriors in terms of what that number could be,
—Bobby Marks, NBA executive
He explained that Kuminga’s contract size will dictate the Warriors’ financial flexibility when pursuing other acquisitions using options like the mid-level exception or the full exception.
But if you’re tying to bring back Kuminga and you’re also trying to get big, a player like Al Horford for example, your threshold as far as a new contract is 16, 18, maybe could you get closer to 20 [million]? That’s probably where your walkaway number would be.
—Bobby Marks, NBA executive
Kuminga’s Situation Reflects a Broader Trend Among Restricted Free Agents
Kuminga is not alone in facing a difficult market, as Marks cited several other young players who share a similar plight amid the present league-wide salary cap limitations. Restricted free agency this offseason has proven challenging for many emerging talents.
He’s in a boat with a bunch of them, Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, Cam Thomas, there’s a list of other restricted free agents who basically are in the same situation,
—Bobby Marks, NBA executive
Marks contrasted this year’s environment with teams like Memphis, which had greater financial flexibility to be aggressive, something less achievable for the Warriors despite being under the luxury tax threshold.
The market tells you it’s not a good time to be a restricted free agent. That’s what the market tells you. I think Memphis is a little bit different because of where they were financially, they could do that. I think if Golden State’s payroll, they’re OK right now, I think they’re 16 or 17 [million] below the luxury tax and $24 million below the first apron. If they were where Memphis is, they probably could be a little bit more aggressive.
—Bobby Marks, NBA executive
Kuminga’s Performance and Importance to Golden State’s Plans
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 47 games, demonstrating his value as a promising contributor to the Warriors roster. His contract situation remains the most critical unresolved issue affecting Golden State’s offseason maneuvers.
As the Warriors navigate their player personnel decisions, the outcome of Kuminga’s contract discussions will significantly influence their ability to enhance the team’s roster in pursuit of championship contention.