Jonathan Kuminga prefers $7.9 million in Qo over $45 million in 2-year period

ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Friday that the conversation between Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga was an “updated” conversation. Today’s NBA.

Jonathan Kuminga wants to be a foundation, not trade chips

Slater reported Friday that Kuminga and his representatives are seeking a multi-year contract from the Warriors, which has positioned the previous round as a “base” rather than just a trade chip.

“Well, there’s a new conversation between the two sides. There’s a conversation, but it’s known that conversation isn’t necessarily an equal action.”

“They shared the concept and opinions of the contract on the whole thing that happened last week back to last weekend. Cushinga wanted more player-friendly deals, more signals that he was a foundation, not a trade asset.”

The Warriors did not change their two-year, $45 million contract offer to Cushinga, and the 22-year-old said the $7.9 million qualified offer was more attractive to him.

$7.9 million qualified offer includes no trade terms

The two-year deals include the 2nd grade team option, but Kuminqun prefers the player option. He doesn’t want to trade mid-season. For the Golden State, this is problematic, as qualified quotes include no trade terms.

“The word I heard from the Kubinga side was ‘chess pieces’,” Slater said. “He didn’t want to sign up for this two-year $45 million team choice, and he was obviously just used to being traded mid-season. That’s not what he wanted to sign up for.

“Now, if you’re talking about a three-year contract, if you’re talking about something with a player option to show his more commitment, that’s what he’s interested in.

“But so far the Warriors have been hesitating to do so, so Kumingga sent a signal to those around him that he was very willing–liked- [to sign] Qualifying is in a two-year $45 million deal. This is dangerous for the warriors. They could try to call him a bluff, but for now, it seems to be heading towards a qualified offer trend. ”

Coomin’s dilemma destroys the Warriors’ offseason

Free agents Al Horford and De’anthony Melton are awaiting Kuminga’s contract status resolution before they can reach their own deal with Golden State themselves.

But the Cushingma legend may not end anytime soon. Since restricted free agents must accept eligible offers by the October 1 deadline, Slater wouldn’t be surprised if the deadlock extends into September.

“August makes it easier for people, ‘Well, when we look for you, we’ll look for you.'” September is where it starts to get even more uncomfortable. I don’t know if there will be sports on the Warriors or Cushinga side or more anxiety, but September is where this may become more picky. ”

Slater notes that it would be shocking if Kubinga decides to pass a $14 million salary in 2025-26 and signs his $7.9 million qualified offer instead of accepting a two-year, $45 million contract.

Qualified quotes can give Jonathan Kuminga control over his future

Qualifying offers will provide more freedom for Kubinga as there is a trade-free clause this season and the ability to reach unrestricted free agents in 2026.

“You talk to people around him and he’s digging,” Slater added. “If there are two offers for a team option for $45 million that’s the best offer, he’ll see their qualified offer in the training camp, which includes no trade terms.

“Because he wants to see it as more foundation, or he wants his freedom, control over his future. And the qualified proposal, while the money has been reduced, has given him control over his future.”