Warriors should embrace trading former lottery pick

Kuminga opting into his qualifying offer would be a disaster for the Warriors. Not only would it allow him to hit unrestricted free agency next summer, it would decimate his trade value and any leverage the franchise had in trade talks around the NBA.

A player option for Kuminga could solve everything

In recent weeks, it's been noted how Kuminga is seeking a player option on the final year of any new contract he signs. 

During his conversation with ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Turner explained why making that one concession could end the Warriors' current standoff.

“If (the Warriors) want to win now, if you want a guy that’s happy and treated fairly who is a big part of this team, we believe, moving forward, you give him the player option,” Turner said. “You do lose a little of that trade value. But if it’s about the here and now, you give him that.”

ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater previously reported that Golden State has been unwilling to bend to that request thus far, with reports noting that they prefer a team option for that final year.

"Their unwillingness to budge on the team option in those specific two offers is a major part of the holdup," Charania and Slater reported. "Kuminga, gripping to the first lever of control he has had in his young career, is resistant to the idea of it, sources said."

The Warriors should accept defeat and trade Kuminga

After months of negotiations, it's clear that Golden State and Kuminga are heading for a mutual parting of ways. Both sides are jockeying for control, not because they want to future-proof themselves, but because they want the final say in where the explosive forward goes via trade.

Kuminga wants to have the leverage to deter teams he has no interest in suiting up for. The Warriors want to maximize their return on a player with All-Star potential. You can see the argument from both sides. 

However, given the disruption Kuminga's negotiations have caused this summer, the Warriors should accept that now is the right time to part ways. Multiple teams have reportedly shown interest in Kuminga this summer. Fair trade offers will undoubtedly follow if Golden State changes its messaging. 

Both sides need a clean break. It makes no sense to drag this thing out any further than it already has been.