Warriors' stalemate with Jonathan Kuminga finally comes to an end, but another issue awaits

Kuminga and his agent had been demanding a player option as a prerequisite to spurning the qualifying offer. Kuminga chose this two-year deal over the Warriors’ previous three years, $75M offer so he can maintain a higher level of control over his immediate future, according to Charania. 

The Warriors may explore a trade

The Warriors never wavered on that team option, but both sides now understand the likelihood of exploring trades when Kuminga is eligible to be dealt on Jan. 15, the ESPN insider adds.

Kuminga had a Wednesday deadline to sign the qualifying offer.

In terms of the roster, Golden State retains flexibility to sign a 15th player but not until the early part the regular season, ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes. They will be hard-capped at the second tax apron after Al Horford signs for the $5.M taxpayer’s midlevel exception. The veteran big man has agreed to a multiyear contract with the team.

Kuminga’s restricted free agency was among the biggest topics during this NBA offseason.

The Warriors reportedly gave Kuminga three options as the deadline approached. They were two years at $45M and three years at $75M, which both contained team options on the final season, or three years with no team option at the reduced rate of $54M. The Suns and Kings were reportedly interested in dealing for him, but Golden State, trying to preserve long-term financial flexibility, couldn’t find a trade offer to its liking.

Kuminga started 46 of 74 games during the 2023-24 season but had a reduced role last season in the 47 games in which he appeared, particularly after the team acquired Jimmy Butler. He only started 10 games while averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists and had a reduced role during the postseason as well. That played a big part in the contentious negotiations.

He now has strong incentive to post a strong, controversy-free season to pump up his value, whether he remains with the team or gets dealt.