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Warriors Take Strong Stance on Jonathan Kuminga Trade
© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors want free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga to agree to the contract they offered this summer. The last deal the Warriors presented to the young forward was a two-year $45 million contract. However, Kuminga still declined it and insists on his desire to have at least a $30 million salary per season.

The Warriors want to move on from Kuminga. By giving him a team-friendly contract, they believe it'll be easier to facilitate a sign-and-trade. However, the 22-year-old wants to have a bigger deal than what Golden State has offered.

Most people think it's because of the contract extensions that his fellow 2021 draftees have signed with their teams. For example, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs signed a five-year, $150 million extension. Another player who has had a better deal with their team was Franz Wagner.

Wagner signed a five-year, $224 million extension with the Magic and was drafted after Kuminga.

The Warriors Are Putting Their Foot Down

Kuminga has not received a fresh offer from the Warriors, and it appears that it will remain the same. NBA insider Jake Fischer of "The Stein Line" revealed that the organization isn't looking forward to making any amendments to their two-year deal for the forward.

"But Golden State, sources say, is not open to amending its stance on the second year of the two-year, $45 million offer it has extended to the 22-year-old swingman. The Warriors are insistent that Year 2 is a team option; Kuminga would naturally prefer a player option," Fischer wrote.

There's a stalemate between the two sides, as they both want what's best for their current situation. Kuminga believes in his talent and wants to earn like a starter. Fischer added that the current state might extend until September. This gives the 6-foot-8 forward less time to decide what his next step should be.

The Warriors would still prefer that Kuminga accepts the offer, to make it easier for them to make a trade.

"The sides thus remain locked into a staring contest that some well-placed observers believe could drag into September at this rate. Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to accept his $8 million qualifying offer for the 2025-26 season and bet on himself to capitalize once he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer."

Kuminga is rumored to be part of a trade that would allow the Warriors to acquire guard-forward Josh Giddey.

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

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