Jonathan Kuminga has sparked intense debate among NBA fans and analysts following his recent public statements about his contract expectations with the Golden State Warriors. The 2021 draft pick’s insistence on receiving a deal comparable to fellow rookies Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes has stirred significant controversy and split opinions across social media platforms.
According to Ron Kroichik of the San Francisco Chronicle, Kuminga believes his value parallels that of Cunningham and Barnes, both of whom secured enormous multi-year contracts exceeding $200 million. This stance has created a deadlock between Kuminga and the Warriors front office, complicating the team’s offseason strategy.
“Five of the six players selected ahead of Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 NBA draft, and the one taken directly behind him, already got their bag… He apparently thinks he’s at the Cade Cunningham–Scottie Barnes level, where he should get that type of contract,”
Kroichik wrote. He added,
“It’s really a quandary. I think it’s bad for the Warriors and bad for him.”
The news ignited a wave of criticism online, with many fans rejecting the notion that Kuminga belongs in the same tier as Cunningham and Barnes. Both have earned All-Star selections and play pivotal roles on their respective teams, while Kuminga continues to fight for reliable minutes under coach Steve Kerr.
Expressions of disbelief ranged from labeling Kuminga’s expectations as delusional to outright mockery. Some fans argued that he is not yet in the same league as the two stars, while others suggested he might align more closely with Barnes but still falls short of Cunningham’s level.
“Scottie Barnes maybe, but def not Cade Cunningham, if he got the opportunity I think he can put up similar numbers to Scottie but other than that I don’t think he’s on cade’s level and I just don’t view Kuminga as a player you want on a championship team although maybe I’m wrong.”
— DR JT (@JTSPECTOR) August 17, 2025
On social media, some comments went further, questioning Kuminga’s confidence and joking about the need for a drug test, emphasizing how unexpected and contentious his contract demands appear to many fans.
Comments such as
“Dude need to be drug tested”
and
“Where is he getting this confidence from”
highlight the frustration surrounding his negotiations.
Assessing Kuminga’s Self-Bet: Are His Demands Justified?
Drafted seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2021, Jonathan Kuminga reportedly seeks a contract averaging around $30 million annually, mirroring deals signed by Cunningham and Barnes after establishing themselves as All-Stars. Barnes secured a five-year, $224 million max extension with the Toronto Raptors, while Cunningham signed a similarly lucrative deal with the Detroit Pistons following his All-NBA Third Team honor.
However, Kuminga’s performance so far has not matched his peers’ achievements. Last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists with a 45.4 percent shooting rate. While these are respectable statistics for a young player, they fall short of All-Star caliber standards and sustained starting roles.
The Warriors reportedly offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million contract, including a team option for the second year and a condition requiring him to waive his no-trade clause. Kuminga appears unsatisfied with these terms, preferring either a $30 million yearly salary or a shorter contract that includes a player option to maintain greater control over his future.
The impasse continues to stall a resolution. If no agreement is reached by the October 1 deadline, Kuminga may choose to accept the qualifying offer worth $7.9 million for the 2024-25 season, gambling on unrestricted free agency next summer. Such a move carries substantial risk, as historically few players have benefited from this approach, with mixed outcomes seen from others like Miles Bridges, Nerlens Noel, and Rodney Hood.
The Stakes Ahead: What This Means for Kuminga and the Warriors
The ongoing contract dispute places significant pressure on Jonathan Kuminga at a critical juncture in his career. For a young player still striving to secure a consistent role in a championship-caliber team, holding out for a higher salary could backfire if on-court production does not improve markedly in the coming season. At the same time, the Warriors face the challenge of managing roster continuity while controlling salary commitments within their competitive window.
The resolution of this matter will likely influence the trajectory of Kuminga’s career and the Warriors’ roster construction moving forward. If Kuminga succeeds in validating his demands through improved performance, he could position himself as a key contributor moving forward. Otherwise, the standoff may force both sides to reassess their expectations and priorities before the regular season begins.