NBA insider predicts Jonathan Kuminga’s next steps amid Warriors’ $75 million offer

With just over a week remaining before the Golden State Warriors’ $7.9 million qualifying offer to restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga expires, the team is feeling pressure to reach an agreement with the promising young forward. 

Kuminga and the Warriors have been at a standstill all offseason, though they’ll have to find common ground as training camp approaches. Golden State initially offered a deal worth $45 million over two years, including a team option in Year 2. However, the club has since increased its offer to a three-year, $75.2 million deal with a third-year team option, according to Anthony Slater and Shams Charania of ESPN. 

Reports suggest that Kuminga is hesitant to sign a deal including a team option and may want some security regarding potential trades this season. If he were to sign his qualifying offer, the 22-year-old would gain a no-trade clause. 

MORE: Rockets' Kevin Durant reveals why he wasn't traded to Warriors last season

NBA insider believes Kuminga deal will get done 

Kuminga would forfeit guaranteed money if he accepted the qualifying offer, but he’d also be betting on himself before becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Still, $75 million is a significant sum to pass up. NBA insider Marc Stein believes the restricted free agent will accept the Warriors’ latest offer rather than play out next season. 

“I tend to believe Kuminga will ultimately accept the Warriors’ three-year offer — provided it is still on the table — rather than attempt to play out next season on the one-year qualifier,” he wrote. 

By signing this deal, Kuminga would also be waiving his right to block a trade this year. Golden State could potentially flip him for more assets as the club attempts to maximize Steph Curry’s remaining years, which wouldn’t necessarily be the worst scenario for Kuminga. 

The 6-foot-7 forward has reportedly been eyeing a new situation where he could develop into a top option, which may be challenging alongside Curry and Jimmy Butler on the Warriors. Still, Golden State remains a contender, and Kuminga could play a key role. 

He has shown he can step up in critical moments, averaging 24.3 points and 3.5 rebounds across 31.0 minutes per contest with Curry sidelined during the final four games of the team’s second-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With time running out, the Warriors will aim to end the standoff within the next week and finalize Kuminga’s future with the team.

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