Jonathan Kuminga's deadline is drawing near

Jonathan Kuminga entered the offseason as a restricted free agent. And now, it would appear he could enter the preseason in the same situation. 

The former lottery pick has held firm during negotiations with the Golden State Warriors, seeking the best possible deal in terms of both finances and career flexibility. Unfortunately for Warriors fans, Kuminga's stance has led to both sides reaching an impasse. 

Golden State has reportedly extended two solid offers in recent weeks, both of which Kuminga has rejected. Therefore, it's looking increasingly likely that he'll sign his qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to make his final decision. 

"Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to take the one-year, $8 million qualifying offer that has been on the table for him since free agency began. If there is no resolution to his situation before Oct. 1," Stein reported on Monday.  

Golden State will undoubtedly be reluctant to see Kuminga sign his qualifying offer. However, unless it makes some concessions on its current contract offer — such as adding a player option — it's unlikely it will find a resolution that suits both parties. 

Golden State Warriors could be short-handed to start training camp

Golden State currently has nine players under contract for next season. The front office has been holding off on adding new talent until Kuminga's situation is resolved. That way, it will have a full understanding of its cap situation before committing to additional contracts. 

Given Kuminga's deadline is a few days after the start of NBA training camp — which begins on Sept. 29 — there's a chance Steve Kerr will be working with a reduced group for the first few days.

"Golden State might have to go through a day or two of practices without the likes of Horford, Melton and Payton as well as Kuminga himself," Stein reported. "The Warriors are among the 25 teams leaguewide that will hold their Media Day next Monday (Sept. 29) and then practice for the first time on the following day."

Golden State Warriors should accept defeat

The Kuminga saga has dragged on for months. At this point, the Warriors should accept that his future lies elsewhere and begin exploring his trade value around the NBA.

It makes no sense to run the risk of him leaving next summer with nothing coming back in return. Furthermore, the Warriors' ability to obtain fair value in an in-season trade will be significantly reduced if Kuminga is on an expiring contract.

Kuminga has reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams this summer. Sounding them out over a potential trade is the best path forward, especially if a comparable talent is heading the other way as part of the trade.

Golden State has been passive this summer. Now, the front office must take control and position the team for success. Currently, the uncertainty can't be good for fostering a championship mindset.