Golden State Warriors ahead Jonathan Kuminga is again within the highlight as his agent brazenly acknowledged {that a} commerce may occur earlier than the tip of the season.
Talking on 95.7 The Recreation, Aaron Turner stated there may be “a superb probability” Kuminga will get moved across the halfway level of the yr. Turner defined that whereas the ahead would like to stick with the franchise that drafted him, the shortage of readability about his function and contract construction has left the long run unsure.
“The Warriors are the group that drafted him, so after all he’d love to stick with one group his entire profession,” Turner stated, through HoopsHype. “He needs to be a focus of a group. He needs a much bigger function. That’s not likely a secret.”
Golden State has provided Kuminga a three-year, $75.2 million extension with a group choice within the last season. His camp, nevertheless, has insisted on a participant choice, which might give the 22-year-old extra management over his profession path.
The negotiations replicate a wider situation for the Warriors. The entrance workplace needs to protect flexibility and keep commerce leverage, whereas Kuminga’s facet believes he’s sacrificing his recreation in a system that doesn’t totally showcase his expertise.
Turner famous that veteran agent BJ Armstrong had advised Kuminga, “We wish you to be you. We don’t need you to vary a factor. Play your recreation.” That sentiment, Turner stated, has been troublesome to comprehend in Golden State’s system alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced.
The Sacramento Kings stay essentially the most persistent suitor, with experiences linking them to a package deal involving Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round decide. Golden State has to date declined these phrases, with draft protections standing as a key impediment.
In line with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, there may be “an actual reluctance” from Warriors possession to ship Kuminga to Sacramento. One issue is the previous connection between Kings governor Vivek Ranadivé and Golden State, with considerations that Kuminga may flourish with a close-by rival.
Kuminga is coming off his finest season but, averaging 15.3 factors and 4.6 rebounds per recreation whereas entering into a bigger function throughout stretches when Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Inexperienced missed time. His manufacturing has made him each a worthwhile younger piece and a major commerce chip.
The October 1 qualifying supply deadline may decide the subsequent step. If Kuminga accepts the $7.9 million deal, he would achieve a no-trade clause this season however forfeit long-term safety, establishing unrestricted free company in 2026.
