Jonathan Kuminga shared views on Al Horford signing as agent updates Warriors talks

Turner shared that Kuminga was willing to earn less than his target $30 million a year if it meant the Warriors could stay in the title race.

That decision was directly linked to Al Horford’s arrival, a move both parties felt could push Golden State closer to another championship.

Turner said: “How are they going to get the team better and bring you back? We knew about the Al Horford (deal)… To JK’s credit, he said ‘look, I’ll sacrifice for that. Give Al the taxpayer mid-level. He comes in, it helps.”

Kuminga agreed with how the team was building, but still wanted some long-term security in his contract, given what he would be giving up early on.

“He was all on board with that. But because we were going to take a number on the front that we thought was on a lower level (compared) to Jalen Johnson, Jalen Green, some of these other guys, to help the team win in this window, then let us have the player option in the back end,” Turner added.

Turner stands by Jonathan Kuminga, explains urgency around Steph Curry’s championship window

Turner pushed back against the noise surrounding Kuminga, saying his client is focused on supporting Stephen Curry during what could be the final stretch of his title pursuits.

He explained that the player option was not about personal gain, but about backing the team’s bigger picture.

“JK has heard of these conversations. He knows what’s out there – the deals, the guaranteed money, the opportunity. With JK, it’s not that he wouldn’t stay in Golden State, but if he wants to stay, he has the ability to stay. Nothing is forcing him back to the table.

“So when you factor all of that in, the thought is, ‘Okay, if we’re coming back here, it’s win now. This is Steph’s last window to win. Help us out on the back end of the deal. Because we’re going to be sacrificing.’

“That’s why the player option has been so pushed by us. I give credit to JK, there’s a lot said about him – that he only cares about himself… Couldn’t be farther from the truth. He’s not a guy that doesn’t want to win. He wants to be part of that.”