Forward Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors failed to reach an agreement on a rookie scale contract extension last fall, halting progress on his Jonathan Kuminga contract extension. While Kuminga’s camp possibly would have accepted a deal below the maximum salary, the Warriors did not present an offer sufficiently attractive to finalize negotiations. Sources indicate the Warriors’ reluctance to increase their offer above a $30 million annual figure contributed to the deadlock.
Max Contract Figures and Warriors’ Concerns Over Trade Flexibility
A maximum contract for Kuminga would have paid nearly $43 million per season on a four-year deal or up to $45 million annually over five years. However, the Warriors were unwilling to commit to such amounts. Instead, agent Aaron Turner stated Kuminga never received or rejected offers reaching $30 million a year. Reporting from Anthony Slater of ESPN highlighted the Warriors’ hesitance to present a firm proposal last fall because signing Kuminga would trigger a poison pill provision in 2024/25, potentially affecting trade options.
I think Jalen Johnson getting five years, $150MM gave a target,
Slater said.
… I’m of the belief – and I’ve been told – that (Kuminga’s camp) would’ve taken five for $150MM if it was ever on the table. It wasn’t on the table.
—Anthony Slater, ESPN Analyst
Where Kuminga’s Market Value Stands After a Challenging Season
Following a season limited to 47 games and declined statistics, Kuminga’s value as a restricted free agent has softened. A survey by Fred Katz of The Athletic polled 16 NBA front-office sources who placed the forward’s fair contract range between $17 million and $25 million in average annual value. While most favored a shorter, three-year deal, one prominent advocate supported a five-year agreement totaling $125 million.
Several respondents compared Kuminga’s situation to that of Jalen Green, who recently secured a three-year, $105 million rookie extension with a third-year player option before being traded to Phoenix. The player option provides flexibility for both parties in the deal.
It feels like a Jalen Green-type deal that keeps him tradable,
a team official familiar with negotiations told Katz.
Definitely less than he probably wants, but the player option gives him some options.
—Team Official
If I’m the agent, I’m trying to get a short-term deal so I can get out of there and get somewhere else but still make some money in the meantime,
another source added. —Unnamed NBA Executive
Potential Outcomes and Implications for Warriors’ Roster Strategy
It remains possible that Kuminga might accept his $8 million qualifying offer, which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. However, this scenario presents risks for both the player and the Warriors. The franchise currently lacks many players earning between $15 million and $25 million, crucial for trade transactions to restructure the roster effectively. Notably, only Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green hold salaries above $11.6 million for the 2025/26 season, and none are likely trade candidates.
If he takes the qualifying offer, the Warriors are f—ed from a team-building standpoint, because they need to get him on a deal where they can trade him,
an executive explained. That’s the key for them. —NBA Executive
The prolonged uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s contract extension leaves the Warriors in a difficult position as they attempt to balance player development, trade flexibility, and salary cap management for the upcoming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jonathan Kuminga untouchable?
A. While Jonathan Kuminga is not entirely off-limits in trades, the Warriors hold him in high regard.
Q. Can Jonathan Kuminga speak French?
A. Emmanuel Mudiay, playing in Puerto Rico, and Omari Gudul, competing in Europe, are his cousins and play professional basketball. Kuminga’s primary language is French, and he is still learning English.