Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is at a crossroads with the Golden State Warriors as he considers whether to accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer for next season or hold out for a longer-term deal. This Jonathan Kuminga contract decision carries significant weight, as it may resemble the costly misstep made by former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA player Nerlens Noel years ago.
Kuminga recently declared,
I’ll bet on myself all day,
—Jonathan Kuminga, signaling his readiness to take the one-year qualifying offer from the Warriors, which includes a no-trade clause. Meanwhile, Golden State’s proposal reportedly consists of a two-year contract worth $21.7 million for the first season, slightly more than what Kuminga could earn from other teams, but with a team option for the second year and no no-trade protection.
Restricted Free Agency Limits Player Leverage
Restricted free agency in the NBA heavily favors teams, leaving players like Kuminga with limited bargaining power. Taking guaranteed money upfront might be the safer route, especially given the precarious precedent set by Nerlens Noel, the former sixth overall pick. Noel’s experience underlines the risks of betting on oneself amidst restricted free agency constraints.
Back in 2017, the Dallas Mavericks acquired Noel and offered him a four-year, $70 million contract. Instead of accepting, Noel chose to take the $4.1 million qualifying offer, aiming to become an unrestricted free agent the following year. Unfortunately, this gamble led to his falling out of the rotation, a thumb injury that sidelined him for several months, and eventually signing a minimum contract in 2018.
Noel’s regret led him to attempt a lawsuit against his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, over lost earnings. Ultimately, Noel earned just over $30 million throughout the rest of his career, which concluded in 2023—a far cry from the $70 million deal he initially declined.
Trade Talks Stall as Warriors Hold Firm
The Warriors are reluctant to let Kuminga go without substantial compensation because his main potential landing spots, the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, cannot directly sign him as a restricted free agent. Instead, they must negotiate a sign-and-trade deal, and Golden State has yet to accept the offers on the table.
So far, Sacramento’s proposal includes second-year guard Devin Carter, forward Dario Saric, and a conditional first-round pick. The Warriors, however, have reportedly shown more interest if the Kings revise the offer to include guard Keon Ellis and/or an unprotected first-round pick. Meanwhile, the Suns’ bid—featuring Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and four second-round picks—has been dismissed due to O’Neale’s significant long-term contract and unclear additional incentives.
Why Accepting the Qualifying Offer May Be Wisest for Kuminga
Should trade negotiations fail to secure a satisfactory deal, Kuminga might be better off accepting the qualifying offer from Golden State, guaranteeing him nearly $8 million for the upcoming season. The Warriors appear open to moving him after the season commences, potentially trading him for a higher salary return. While staying with Golden State temporarily may frustrate Kuminga, the financial certainty could offset the inconvenience.
Given these complexities, Kuminga’s decision carries major implications for his career trajectory and earnings. By considering Noel’s cautionary tale, he may avoid jeopardizing his financial future in pursuit of uncertain long-term rewards.
Sean Keane, a sportswriter and comedian based in Oakland, California, has extensive experience covering basketball and other professional sports. His insight into the nuances of NBA contract negotiations highlights the challenges players face when maneuvering restricted free agency rules.