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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors reacts after drawing his sixth foul.
The Golden State Warriors have turned down forward Jonathan Kuminga’s latest counteroffer, according to a joint report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania on Monday.
After initially offering a two-year, $45 million contract, Golden State raised its proposal to a three-year, $75.2 million deal, including $54 million guaranteed. But the sticking point remained: the third year carried a team option, a structure Kuminga’s camp opposes.
In response, Kuminga’s representatives floated a one-year balloon contract — a short-term deal designed to boost his salary above the $8 million qualifying offer and make him a more tradable asset at the deadline while allowing him to reach unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Slater and Charania reported the concept mirrored one the Brooklyn Nets once discussed with Cam Thomas. However, general manager Mike Dunleavy declined, and team owner Joe Lacob opposed the idea, wary of losing Kuminga next summer without compensation.
Stars Weigh In as Camp Nears
Getty Draymond Green (left) speaks to Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors on the bench.
The standoff continues with training camp less than two weeks away. Warriors veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green have checked in on Kuminga, according to the ESPN report, but the 22-year-old has held firm on his stance.
Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, believes he has All-Star potential that has been stifled in Golden State’s system. His camp is confident that a strong free-agent market next summer, when at least 10 teams are expected to have meaningful cap space, could provide him more control over his career.
“… Kuminga has stated a belief that he has multitime All-Star potential. He has lined up loss-of-value insurance… He isn’t obsessing over every lost dollar in the moment and sees the qualifying offer as a clean vehicle for career control,” Slater and Charania wrote.
Interest From Rival Teams
Kuminga’s confidence has been bolstered by outside interest. Both the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings made trade pitches this offseason.
The Suns reportedly dangled Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards and a package of second-round picks while attaching a four-year, $90 million offer. The Kings initially offered Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-rounders before upgrading to Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick with a three-year, $63 million proposal.
Milwaukee also made inquiries but stepped back once Golden State asked for Bobby Portis. Despite the activity, none of the packages swayed the Warriors’ front office.
Flashes of Stardom, Lingering Questions
Kuminga’s talent is undeniable, particularly when given extended opportunities. During Stephen Curry’s absence in last season’s first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kuminga averaged 24.3 points on 55% shooting and 38.9% from 3-point range over four games.
But the Warriors lost all four, underscoring a broader concern: Kuminga’s production has yet to consistently translate into winning within Golden State’s system. His preference for a larger offensive role has often clashed with coach Steve Kerr’s ball-movement approach built around Curry.
A Stalemate With No End in Sight
The rejection of Kuminga’s counteroffer leaves Golden State stuck in a holding pattern, with only nine of 15 roster spots filled heading into camp. Unless the two sides find common ground, the stalemate threatens to overshadow the Warriors’ preparations for the 2025-26 season.
For now, the impasse persists — a battle between a young forward eager to prove himself and a franchise balancing loyalty to its veterans with long-term flexibility.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
