In a significant move to end a prolonged negotiation, restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has signed a two-year contract worth $48.5 million to remain with the Golden State Warriors. His agent, Aaron Turner of Verus Basketball, confirmed the agreement on Tuesday. The deal incorporates a team option for the second year, enabling the Warriors or a potential trading team to establish a fresh agreement following the 2025-26 season.
Warriors Make Strategic Decisions
On the same day, the Warriors secured a one-year deal with free agent Seth Curry. This addition will reunite him with his brother, Stephen Curry, as the team prepares for training camp. However, the roster management presents challenges, as the Warriors cannot exceed 15 standard contracts without a trade.
Kuminga Chooses Flexibility
Prior to the qualifying offer deadline, Jonathan Kuminga opted for the two-year agreement instead of a three-year, $75 million offer. This decision provides him with more control over his future with the Warriors. During the negotiations, the Warriors remained firm on the framework of the team options.
Kuminga has agreed to waive his no-trade clause. This strategic choice allows him a fair negotiation before the mid-January trades. Kuminga was absent from media day and the first day of practice while finalizing the contract.
Financial Implications for the Warriors
- The two-year deal signifies an increase of $8 million compared to previous offers.
- Kuminga’s salary for next season will be $22.5 million, becoming the fourth-highest on the team.
- This arrangement will elevate the Warriors’ luxury tax by over $70 million, totaling more than $80 million.
The Warriors had previously proposed a $45 million, two-year offer and a $54 million fully guaranteed, three-year deal, which did not meet Kuminga’s expectations for player options. His choice enables him to reassess his options next summer or become an unrestricted free agent by 2027.
Trade Talks and Performance Insights
In the backdrop of these negotiations, trade discussions involving Kuminga were prominent. Both the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings showed interest, with the Suns offering a four-year, nearly $90 million deal. However, the Warriors declined all trade proposals.
In terms of performance, Kuminga struggled during the Warriors’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets but excelled against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, averaging 20.8 points per game.
Kuminga’s Stats and Rankings
Kuminga has consistently contributed to the Warriors’ success. His statistics highlight his importance on the team:
| Season | Points in the Paint | Points Per Game | Shooting Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 10 | 14.1 with Curry | 44.5% |
| Without Curry | N/A | 19.6 | 48.2% |
Among the 2021 draft class, Kuminga ranks highly in several metrics, establishing himself as a crucial player for the Warriors. As the offseason progresses, he becomes the third restricted free agent this September to finalize a contract, joining Cam Thomas and Josh Giddey, while Quentin Grimes remains unsigned.
