The Golden State Warriors face a challenging situation involving restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, as talks about his next contract remain unresolved heading into September. The uncertainty puts pressure on both parties to reach an agreement soon regarding Kuminga’s future with the team.
At 22 years old, Kuminga is coming off a season that showcased his high potential as well as inconsistencies. The 6-foot-8 forward was notably sidelined by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr before the playoffs, yet demonstrated his scoring ability during a critical stretch. After star guard Steph Curry was injured in the second round, Kuminga stepped up to average 24.3 points per game across four games, shooting 55.4% overall and 38.9% from three-point range.
Warriors’ Attempts to Navigate Kuminga’s Contract Options
The Warriors had initially explored sign-and-trade options to move Kuminga before the 2025-26 season but have since ceased those discussions, indicating a shift towards retaining him. Golden State appears intent on controlling negotiations to maximize leverage over the young forward. Currently, Kuminga faces two primary choices: accept the team’s two-year, $45 million deal with a team option in the second year or take the qualifying offer for $8 million for the 2025-26 season.
NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that the Warriors maintain a firm stance on the structure of their offer.
“But Golden State, sources say, is not open to amending its stance on the second year of the two-year, $45 million offer it has extended to the 22-year-old swingman. The Warriors are insistent that Year 2 is a team option; Kuminga would naturally prefer a player option,”
—Jake Fischer, NBA Insider
This ongoing disagreement is a key obstacle in finalizing Kuminga’s contract.
Kuminga’s Performance Highlights Provide Context for Talks
Kuminga’s flashes of excellence during the recent playoffs underscore the stakes of this negotiation. A viral highlight captures one of his standout games vividly, illustrating his scoring efficiency and impact on the court.
remember when Jonathan Kuminga didnât miss a single shot, scored 25 points and went 11/11 from the field with 9 boards in just 29 minutes? pic.twitter.com/9Jv1CNJFwXâ Joeyð©ðª (@HoodieKuminga)
—Joey, Social Media User
Impending Deadline and Potential Outcomes for Kuminga and the Warriors
While the contract talks continue with no immediate breakthrough, a deadline looms in early October. Kuminga must decide whether to accept the qualifying offer by October 1 or decline it and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. This ticking clock puts added pressure on both sides as they try to avoid a prolonged stalemate.
Fischer described the current negotiation as a tense “staring contest” that could extend through September if an agreement isn’t reached promptly.
“The sides thus remain locked into a staring contest that some well-placed observers believe could drag into September at this rate,”
—Jake Fischer, NBA Insider
“Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to accept his $8 million qualifying offer for the 2025-26 season and bet on himself to capitalize once he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.”
—Jake Fischer, NBA Insider
The outcome of this contract decision will significantly impact the Warriors’ roster plans and Kuminga’s career trajectory moving forward.