As NBA free agency approaches, Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors appear no closer to a new deal.
The 22-year-old forward is set to enter restricted free agency, and according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, “Despite a few conversations between the two sides, the Golden State Warriors have generated no real traction toward a deal with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga in recent days and, as anticipated, he is expected to explore the market when it opens at 3 p.m. PT on Monday afternoon, league sources told The Athletic.”
Kuminga’s situation has drawn attention from several other franchises as well. Slater noted that “the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls remain the two likeliest outside suitors.” Meanwhile, NBA insider Marc Stein added that the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans are also “looming as potential suitors.”
Golden State would still have the right to match any offer sheet, but time is running out to strike a deal before the market opens.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy addressed Kuminga’s contract situation at his pre-draft press conference on June 23, stating that he would prefer to have a resolution with Kuminga’s restricted free agency “sooner than later.”
Kuminga is coming off a breakout season where he averaged a career-high in scoring and saw increased responsibilities on both ends of the floor. Despite flashes of brilliance, his role under head coach Steve Kerr has been a topic of debate throughout his time in Golden State.
With a new era potentially on the horizon for the Warriors, and free agency rapidly approaching, Kuminga could become one of the most intriguing names on the market if a deal doesn’t come together quickly.
As it stands now, “no real traction” means the Warriors may need to brace for outside bids, or risk losing a young piece of their future entirely.
READ MORE: Warriors Weigh Future of Jonathan Kuminga Amid Uncertainty