Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga stalemate is of their own making

Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency has turned into a nightmare for the Golden State Warriors. The explosive forward has spent the past few weeks exploring his options, including speaking with front offices from around the NBA.

Multiple reports have also noted that Kuminga has rejected an offer from the Warriors. 

According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, a team option in the second year of the offer is reportedly the sticking point, as Kumigna is unwilling to become trade bait later in the season.

"The Warriors initially presented it to Kuminga's representation as a tradeable deal that could ultimately appease the long-term wishes of both sides when he's eligible to be moved again in January, sources said," Slater reported. It's why Golden State wants a team option in the second season and requested Kuminga waive his inherent no-trade clause."

Slater's report then continued.

"But that's also why Kuminga has continued to shut it down. He doesn't want such a team-friendly deal, sources said, and the idea of signing up to be more easily traded midseason is unappealing to him."

Kuminga's stance is built on years of being misused by Steve Kerr's roster. Despite his undoubted talent, he's fallen victim to the franchise's desire to straddle two developmental timelines. As such, Kuminga has been in and out of Kerr's rotation, regardless of how well he's played for significant stretches.

You can't blame Kuminga for wanting control of his future. The Warriors haven't done much to instill confidence in the young forward. If he's going to commit his future to the franchise, asking for a clear role, pay raise and some control is the least the Warriors can do.

Kerr has been tasked with challenging for a championship. He must choose the rotation he believes can give the team the best chance of reaching that goal. 

Over the past four years, those decisions have told Kuminga everything he needs to know. So, now that he's agitating for control of his future, the Warriors only have themselves to blame.