Jonathan Kuminga still hasn’t signed a new deal, and the Golden State Warriors are walking a tightrope because of it.
Nearly a month into free agency, the forward remains unsigned as negotiations between him and the Warriors appear to have stalled.
While a return to the Bay remains on the table, Kuminga is reportedly keeping all of his options open, including one scenario that could seriously damage Golden State’s long-term flexibility.
The Warriors are facing a nightmare if Kuminga opts for the qualifying offer, according to a front office executive who spoke with The Athletic’s Fred Katz.
“If he takes the qualifying offer, the Warriors are f– from a team-building standpoint, because they need to get him on a deal where they can trade him,” The executive said. “That’s the key for them.”
The 22-year-old signing the one-year qualifying offer would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer, giving the Warriors zero leverage in retaining or flipping him for future assets.
The Warriors’ front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr. and team governor Joe Lacob, are trying to avoid exactly that outcome. But the clock is ticking. If sign-and-trade talks don’t gain traction and Golden State doesn’t increase their offer, Kuminga holds all the leverage heading into August.
Despite interest from teams around the league, no suitor has yet created a workable sign-and-trade package. If that doesn’t change soon, Kuminga may decide to play the long game and bet on himself with unrestricted free agency in 2026.
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