Golden State reportedly restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga as the former first-round game was still seeking at least $30 million a year and was therefore not close to a resolution to reach its contract situation.
Jonathan Kuminga’s best offer is a two-year, $40 million deal
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that Golden State’s “best offer for Kuminga has been achieved in the two-year $40 million range.” However, the proposal was deemed unsatisfactory.
“Cubinga’s camp continues to seek autograph opportunities,” Stein noted, who named Kings of Sacramento and Phoenix’s Suns as the team “deemed as the most determined suitors.”
There is no agreement yet because the Warriors “want to get a first-round pick in any signing deal.” The Suns have no first-round picks available, which means they won’t be able to add Kubinga.
Meanwhile, Anthony Slater of Track and Field reported on ESPN on Friday that Cushing plus meeting with the Kings earlier in the week, he was “opened” to join Sacramento.
“Chushing has been in contact with the Kings over the past few days,” Slater said. “This is his first time meeting Scott Perry, which is not in person, but it is his first time talking to Scott Perry, Doug Christie and BJ Armstrong. From what I’ve gathered, he likes Scott Perry’s court. He’s very open to the idea of Sacramento.
“I think part of it – I know it’s part of that ball – you’re talking about the starting role. What you’re talking about is a greater chance than the Warriors must offer right now. I think it’s a part that shouldn’t be lost in this situation. Jonathan Kuminga is not only looking for the exact contract he wants in free agency. He’s looking for the opportunity he wants in court.”
Warriors may have hard covers on their first apron with Kubinga signature deal
Golden State has not overlooked the consequences of moving Cushinga.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks said the Warriors “can hard cover if they’re on the first apron [Kuminga] It is signature and transaction. ”
Golden State is currently below the $25 million for the first apron.
The delay in resolving the contract situation has hindered the Warriors’ offseason plan. According to Spotrac, Golden State still has six open squads.
During the offseason, NBA teams were allowed to carry up to 21 players on their roster. This includes standard contracts and two-way players who do not meet the 15-man regular season roster restrictions.
Kuminga has not yet received an offer from another team that meets his request. This means he has the potential to stay and allow Golden State to explore future deals at the deadline for next season.
The Warriors extended his $7.9 million eligibility offer to him in June, making his 6-foot-8 wings a restricted free agent. He stepped forward four years ago, and after the $28.9 million deal expired, he met free agents.
Qualifying offers will allow Kubinga to seek bigger deals in unrestricted free agents next summer, but according to the front-end polls of competitive sports, it will put him well below what rival NBA executives think is his value.
