Kuminga Mulls Stunning Contract Decision That Would Shake Up Warriors Standoff

Technically, the Warriors have made their contract offer to forward Jonathan Kuminga, who entered the summer with the dread distinction of being a restricted free agent on a team for which his talent is not a natural match.

The Warriors had to extend Kuminga a qualifying offer so that the team could retain the right to match any contract he might receive from another team. That qualifying offer, though, is for a relative pittance--at least compared to the size of contract Kuminga is hoping to get from his next team.

The QO comes in at $7.9 million. Kuminga had been holding out for more than $30 million per season, a hefty contract even he seems to know he won't be getting this summer. The Warriors were said to have offered Kuminga around $140 million over five years on an extension last year, which he rejected.

What's stunning about Kuminga's situation, though, is this: He's considering accepting the $7.9 million, which is a one-year deal in which Kuminga has veto power over a trade.

ESPN's Anthony Slater is reporting: "Kuminga has a standing one-year, $7.9 million offer that the Warriors can no longer rescind. He has until Oct. 1 to accept it. If he goes that route, Kuminga will be willingly giving up a chunk of immediate money but returning on an expiring deal with an inherent no-trade clause, giving him the highest level of long-term career control he has ever had. It's something his side is considering, sources said."

Now, for context, every restricted free agent whose situation drags into late summer takes the step of telling the media they're willing to take the qualifying offer. It's a bit of a veiled threat against the team with his rights, in this case, the Warriors.

While bringing back Kuminga for one year at $7.9 million is a short-term bargain, it severely limits what the Warriors can get back for Kuminga in a trade, as salaries would need to match. And because Kuminga has a de facto no-trade clause, the Warriors would likely be in a situation in which Kuminga would hit unrestricted free agency in 2026 and leave the Warriors with nothing in return.

Signing the QO is surely on the table for Kuminga, but it is something he does not want to do--and that the Warriors really don't want him to do, either. But the Warriors have rejected sign-and-trade offers for Kuminga, which they can do because they have the leverage of owning the player's rights.

But Kuminga has leverage, too, in that he could leave Golden State emptyhanded if the Warriors misplay things. He's apparently exercising that leverage now.