Yardbarker
x
Warriors Predicted to Make $81 Million Jonathan Kuminga Offseason Decision
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors saw their hopes of winning another NBA Championship go up in flames when Stephen Curry was injured in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the Warriors did take Game 1, fans likely were aware that winning a playoff series without Curry was slim to none.

There was optimism that Curry could have returned if the Warriors had managed to stretch the series to at least six games, but the Timberwolves took the next four games to complete the gentleman's sweep.

Warriors predicted to make massive Jonathan Kuminga decision

It had been an up-and-down season for the Warriors. They started the season as one of the hottest teams, but also were as low as the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference before trading for Jimmy Butler and turning their season around.

As a result, Jonathan Kuminga's role was even further diminished until Kerr called upon him after the injury to Curry. Over the final three games of the series, Kuminga averaged 26.3 points per game and significantly boosted his stock around the league. He heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent and the Warriors will likely tender a $7.9 million qualifying offer.

In a piece by ESPN's Bobby Marks, he details Kuminga's best fits with the Warriors or the Brooklyn Nets and that he would offer a three-year contract worth $81 million with the final year as a player option. He also got Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.'s take on the Kuminga situation.

"I know how we can work with him better," GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said after the Warriors' season ended via Marks. "But in terms of guessing how it's all going to play out or what the contract might look like or sign-and-trades and things like that, honestly, I'd be totally guessing at this point."

While Kuminga and head coach Steve Kerr have clashed at times, Kuminga showed the potential and skill he still possesses, despite being benched down the stretch.

Letting Kuminga walk for nothing is something that the Warriors can't afford to allow. He would be the best option for the Warriors to acquire another piece via a sign-and-trade with another team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!