As restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga’s stalemate with the Golden State Warriors drags on, Shannon Sharpe ruled out the possibility of him returning to the Bay Area.
More than a month into free agency, Kuminga and Golden State remain far apart in contract negotiations. While the 22-year-old is reportedly seeking close to $30 million annually, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that the Warriors’ highest offer has been a two-year, $45 million deal, which he declined.
The 2021 No. 7 pick has instead shifted his focus to sign-and-trade opportunities. According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Kuminga “wants to go” to the Sacramento Kings, who are “offering a starting spot.” However, with Golden State yet to receive what it considers an enticing proposal, the situation isn’t expected to be resolved anytime soon.
Why Did Shannon Sharpe Blame Steve Kerr for Jonathan Kuminga’s Situation?
In a clip from the “Nightcap” podcast posted on Saturday, Sharpe weighed in on Kuminga’s apparent interest in joining Sacramento. The three-time Super Bowl champion also addressed Kuminga’s reported belief that Golden State has “stunted and strung his career along for four seasons.”
Sharpe placed most of the blame for Kuminga’s frustration on Warriors coach Steve Kerr, claiming that Kerr’s lack of confidence in the young forward has pushed him out the door.
“I don’t think [returning to Golden State] is an option for him,” Sharpe said. “Because the things that Kerr has said, yeah, I think he’s over that situation.”
In late May, Kerr defended his decision not to assign Kuminga consistent playoff minutes until superstar point guard Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury forced his hand. The four-time NBA championship-winning coach openly questioned Kuminga’s winning impact and fit alongside Curry and the rest of the Warriors’ veterans.
“It’s a tricky one because Jonathan, obviously, is gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more, and for me, I’ve been asked to win,” Kerr said. “And right now, he’s not a guy who I can say I’m going to play 38 minutes with the roster that we have — Steph and Jimmy [Butler] and Draymond [Green] — and put the puzzle together that way and expect to win.”
Kerr also critiqued Kuminga’s “ball-dominant” offensive playstyle despite him averaging a team-best 24.3 points per game on 55.4% shooting over his final four postseason outings. Golden State went winless during that stretch, suffering a five-game second-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves with Curry sidelined.
Sharpe’s interpretation of the situation aligns with Charania’s intel that Kuminga views joining the Kings as a “fresh start” with a “greater level of respect and career control.”
Between Kuminga’s contract demands, role expectations, and Kerr’s doubts, the Congolese prospect’s chances of contentedly returning to the Warriors are looking increasingly slim.
