Kuminga’s $45 Million Holdout Drama Threatens Warriors’ Season

With training camp beginning at the end of September, Jonathan Kuminga’s contract holdout with the Golden State Warriors continues. Throughout the offseason, Golden State has not entertained the sign-and-trade offers for Kuminga from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. As a result, there are really only two options for Kuminga and the Warriors.

Kuminga’s first option is to sign a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. A decision that he is “leaning toward” per NBA Insider Dalton Johnson. This move would leave some money on the table, but would allow Kuminga to reach free agency much earlier. A one-year contract would likely protect Kuminga from being moved as well, due to the nature of the expiring contract. Additionally, a trade would be difficult for the Warriors to pull off as it would be tough to find another player who matches Kuminga’s impact that is also on such a cheap contract.

Kuminga’s second option is to sign a two-year, $45 million contract with Golden State. This alternative provides Kuminga the opportunity to make more money this season, but also increases the likelihood he’ll be traded. As a restricted free agent Kuminga can sign an offer sheet elsewhere, however with few teams able to spend in free agency due to second apron complications, the Warriors are likely to match whatever offer he signs.

Kuminga may be content to continue this holdout for now, but the Warriors need to find a resolution to this issue sooner rather than later. Because until Kuminga signs, the Warriors are not able to make other signings due to financial uncertainty. This means current free-agent targets Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton will have to wait before joining Golden State.