Warriors on the Brink: Tension Mounts as Kuminga Standoff Threatens to Derail Season Plans
With restricted free agency negotiations heating up, the Golden State Warriors are under growing pressure to strike a deal with Jonathan Kuminga before the October 1 deadline. After the Chicago Bulls signed Josh Giddey to a four-year, $100 million extension—despite initial differences in valuation—analysts are urging the Warriors to follow suit by bridging the gap with Kuminga.
According to Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe, the Warriors have reportedly offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million contract, but the deal hinges on team control—something Kuminga’s camp opposes. They prefer a structure that allows the 22-year-old to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026. O’Keefe suggests a middle ground: remove any options or no-trade clauses and fully guarantee both years. This would give Kuminga financial security while keeping him trade-eligible mid-season.
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reports that Kuminga may opt to sign his $7.9 million qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026. However, such a move would give him veto power over trades, reducing his market flexibility and potentially hurting the Warriors’ ability to make roster changes.
Unlike Giddey’s mutual desire to stay in Chicago, Poole points out that Kuminga and the Warriors don’t appear aligned on their long-term vision. Golden State’s aging core—Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green—all average over 36 years old, meaning the franchise is prioritizing short-term success over long-term development. In contrast, the Bulls are building for the future and view Giddey as a foundational piece.
With time running out, both sides may need to compromise. A short-term, fully guaranteed deal could serve both parties—securing Kuminga’s future while giving the Warriors flexibility as they pursue another title run.
