The doors to the Bay Area remain locked for incoming free agents as the Golden State Warriors continue to find a solution with Jonathan Kuminga. Reports stating the Warriors were expected to sign Al Horford and DeAnthony Melton surfaced mid-July; however, Kuminga’s contract stalemate has stalled the Warriors’ offseason.
While the Warriors have explored sign-and-trade discussions surrounding Kuminga this summer, it seems the solution will be unlikely, as Joe Lacob’s backing of the 22-year-old could extend his time with the franchise.
Will Jonathan Kuminga Extend His Contract?
Kuminga’s future has remained a hot topic for over seven weeks now. It seemed the forward had one foot out the door when reports emerged he would rather take the $7.9 million qualifying offer than the two-year $45 million deal the Warriors offered him; however, NBA Insider Ramona Shelbourne believes Lacob’s love could see Kuminga stay.
“I do think the Warriors see him as somebody who is, if he wants to call it, a building block,” Shelbourne said on NBA Today. “I don’t know if I would call it that, but somebody they want around for a long time because they have 35-year-olds on their team. And I know the owner, Joe Lacob, has told him this.
“He loves Jonathan Kuminga, [Lacob] is the reason that they have never included him in trades, because they see the potential in him.”
The Warriors were close to a sign-and-trade for Kuminga earlier this month. Still, the Sacramento Kings’ inability to include an unprotected first-round pick, rather than a protected one, saw the deal fall apart. Granted, the Warriors were looking to shop Kuminga, but that is only because they have no other option.
Kuminga’s agent demanded a three-year, $82 million contract from the Warriors at the end of July, much higher than the Warriors can offer as they look to stay below the luxury tax.
While the $45 million deal also puts them dangerously close to the second apron, it is a risk the Warriors might be willing to take given Kuminga’s value as an asset.
There’s no way the Warriors will let Kuminga walk for nothing, especially considering the time Golden State has invested in his development. However, even if the team does come to terms with Kuminga, how exactly will the matter be dealt with by head coach Steve Kerr?
Could Kuminga Re-Gain a Spot Under Steve Kerr?
Kerr has explicitly stated that Kuminga does not fit well with the trio of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. So, unless something has changed there, or in Kuminga and Kerr’s strained relationship, Kuminga’s return won’t make much sense.
“They didn’t really use him that much once they traded for Jimmy Butler. It was sort of Jimmy or Kuminga,” Shelbourne said while discussing Kuminga’s future. “But the question is not whether he’s going to be back, but what kind of attitude is he going to have.
“If it is, he’s been spurned, and he’s got a bad attitude, he’s going to sit on the bench. That’s not going to help them.”
While discussions around Kuminga have dominated the Warriors’ summer, they understand the goal remains to make the most of the final years of the franchise. With this season quite possibly posing the dynasty’s final chance at a fifth ring, Golden State would want to avoid any locker room drama.
Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy has undoubtedly had a busy summer, but it seems the team’s offseason is only getting started.
