The Golden State Warriors are reportedly not interested in offering Jonathan Kuminga a max contract extension at this time. According to Anthony Slater from The Athletic , the Warriors are "currently" unwilling to extend the full five-year max offer to Kuminga, and there has been no significant progress in negotiations. While Kuminga may have the potential to earn such a deal in the future, the team seems hesitant to commit to a max offer right now.
Slater also hinted at the possibility of a compromise between the two sides, suggesting Kuminga could accept a lucrative deal below the max that still benefits both the player and the team. A middle-ground offer could be in the range of $30 million per season, which may still be life-changing for Kuminga while providing the Warriors with more flexibility under the salary cap.
Kuminga has shown flashes of immense talent, but the Warriors are cautious about offering a long-term, high-dollar extension due to his relatively limited track record. The team still has leverage, thanks to the protection of restricted free agency, and may want to see more development from Kuminga before committing to a max deal.
The Warriors' hesitancy comes in contrast to the five-year, $224 million extension that Franz Wagner received from the Orlando Magic , which begins at 25 percent of the cap and amounts to a $44.8 million annual salary. Kuminga’s upside remains high, and if he continues to make significant strides, he may eventually play himself into that range.
Last season, Jonathan Kuminga averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range. With Klay Thompson’s departure, Kuminga is now seen as the second option for the Warriors, but it remains to be seen if he can elevate his game to justify a max extension.
The Warriors Cannot Afford To Lose Another Young Talent
The Golden State Warriors cannot afford to lose another young talent, especially after parting ways with Jordan Poole. Poole, once viewed as a key piece of the Warriors' future, was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2023. His departure left a noticeable gap in the team’s youth movement, and now, Jonathan Kuminga’s situation adds another layer of uncertainty.
Kuminga, a restricted free agent, is one of the team’s brightest young talents with immense potential. While the Warriors are currently hesitant to offer him a max contract, the risk lies in another team swooping in with such an offer. In restricted free agency, the Warriors would have the right to match any offer Kuminga receives, but if they are not prepared to commit to a max deal, they could lose him the same way they let Poole slip away.
Kuminga’s development is crucial for the Warriors’ future, especially with their aging core of veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green . Losing him would be another blow to their long-term planning. The departure of Poole has already placed added pressure on Kuminga to take on a bigger role, particularly with Klay Thompson no longer on the roster.
If the Warriors want to remain competitive both now and in the future, retaining Kuminga is critical. Letting him walk, or being hesitant to match an offer from another team, could further jeopardize their ability to blend veteran leadership with rising talent.
Related: Golden State Warriors: 5 Reasons To Contend, 5 Reasons To Tank
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