Kuminga Changes Mind, But Warriors Are Too Tired – Shocking Decision To Be Announced Soon
Oct 18, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) drives past Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
The Kings are still in pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga according to several recent reports, but their pursuit is for naught if they can’t get the Golden State Warriors to play ball, and so far there doesn’t seem to be a resolution in sight.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the Kings and Phoenix Suns have both made offers to Kuminga in the 4 year, $90 million range with a player option, while the Warriors have only offered a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option. In addition the Warriors are asking Kuminga to waive the implicit no-trade clause he would have under those contract terms. Kuminga has reportedly rejected that offer, and according to Marc Spears, prefers to go to Sacramento where he has been offered a starting spot.
But wanting to go somewhere and actually being able to is tough in restricted free agency, especially since the Kings don’t have the cap room to make an actual offer upfront and force Golden State’s hand. Sacramento’s only way of acquiring Kuminga would have to be through a sign-and-trade and so far the Warriors have balked at all offers. We’ve heard previous reports that the Kings had offered Devin Carter, Malik Monk and multiple seconds, and now Charania reports that the Kings are actually willing to include a conditional first-rounder, but the Warriors are asking for an unprotected pick instead.
Per ESPN’s reporting, the Warriors believe they could give Kuminga the raise he seeks while still being able to trade him somewhere else if he so desires, and a two year deal with a team option allows that team to decline the option and extend him, giving him the raise he seeks. Kuminga on the other hand doesn’t like the amount of control that gives both the Warriors and any other team that might trade for him, and is reportedly considering taking the Qualifying Offer and becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. Of course, that would still mean Kuminga wouldn’t be on his way to Sacramento, although they could still pursue him next summer where the Warriors might be more willing to entertain a sign-and-trade given his unrestricted status.
The Warriors don’t seem particularly interested in any offer, and I’m not sure the Kings should be looking to increase their offer that much more than what they already have. For their part, at least the Kings aren’t including Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis in the conversation according to the Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson. But Kuminga has until October 1st to decide on whether or not he wants to take the Qualifying Offer or take a Warriors offer, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see this situation drag out further.