The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a unique and tense situation this offseason. Despite being a team with a storied recent history and a core led by Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, they have yet to make a single acquisition of a player with NBA experience. At the centre of this stalemate is forward Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent whose contract negotiations have become a focal point for the franchise’s future.
The Warriors’ Unprecedented Offseason Standstill
As other teams have actively pursued roster improvements, the Warriors remain the only NBA team this offseason to have made no moves involving experienced NBA players. This unusual quietness is largely due to the ongoing negotiations with Kuminga, who headlines a group of restricted free agents for Golden State.
According to senior insider Shams Charania and Warriors reporter Anthony Slater, the Warriors have been in contact with several teams regarding Kuminga but have not received an offer that meets their expectations. This has led to a stalemate that carries significant implications for the team’s roster and chemistry heading into what could be critical seasons for their veteran stars.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Contract Options and Negotiation Dynamics
Kuminga’s situation is a classic battle of control between player and team. The Warriors have reportedly presented Kuminga with a two-year, $45 million offer, which includes a team option for the second year and requires him to forfeit a built-in no-trade clause. However, Kuminga has declined all offers so far.
His mindset appears focused on controlling his own future, weighing two primary routes:
- Qualifying offer: A one-year, $7.9 million contract with a deadline of October 1. This would grant Kuminga a no-trade clause for the next season and unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026, allowing him to bet on himself and potentially increase his value.
- Sign-and-trade deals: Offers from the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings reportedly include up to four years and $90 million, a player option, guaranteed starting roles, and control over his career trajectory.
Despite these enticing offers, the Warriors have rejected sign-and-trade proposals, signalling their preference to retain control over Kuminga’s contract and future with the franchise.
Teams Interested and the Warriors’ Demands
The Sacramento Kings have offered a conditional first-round pick and a rotation player, while the Suns lack a first-round pick and propose rotation players with second-round draft compensation. However, the Warriors are holding out for an unprotected first-round pick and players who match Kuminga’s potential value, refusing to settle for less.
This stalemate leaves the Warriors with nine players on their active roster, all waiting on Kuminga’s decision to shape the final composition of the team.
The Impact of the Stalemate on the Warriors’ Locker Room and Future
Veteran voices such as Kendrick Perkins and Marc J. Spears have weighed in on the possible fallout from this ongoing contract dispute. The Warriors are entering a crucial period for their veteran core — with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler all over 35 and looking to make the most of what could be their final contention years. Having a talented player like Kuminga’s contract situation unresolved risks creating distractions and tension in the locker room.
“It’s a bad look on the Warriors,” Perkins said. “Why hold this man hostage from going to another team and being great? You want value back, but you’re not valuing him as if he’s that type of player while he’s still in your organization.”
Perkins also highlighted Kuminga’s work ethic and consistent improvement, noting that the player has never come into training camp out of shape and continues to develop every season. This makes the situation even more perplexing given the Warriors’ reluctance to fully embrace Kuminga’s potential.
Why the Warriors Are Hesitant to Trade Within the Pacific Division
An additional layer to this story is the Warriors’ hesitation to trade Kuminga to Pacific Division rivals. The Kings and Suns, both Pacific Division teams, have expressed interest, but the Warriors have a long history without major trades with these franchises — none since 1991 with the Kings and none since 2013 with the Suns. This division rivalry factor adds complexity to negotiations and may partly explain the Warriors’ high asking price and refusal to accept certain offers.
What Lies Ahead for Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors?
With about a month and a half left before the October 1 qualifying offer deadline, much remains undecided. Kuminga has reportedly expressed interest in joining the Kings, where he would have a guaranteed starting role alongside players like Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Conversations with Kings management and coaching staff indicate a strong mutual interest.
However, the Warriors’ firm stance on their offers and demands means the situation could drag into training camp, potentially impacting team chemistry and focus. The Warriors have struggled to balance developing young talent with maintaining a competitive core, and Kuminga’s case exemplifies this ongoing challenge.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for the Warriors’ 2024 Season
The Warriors are heading into a pivotal season with high hopes but also considerable uncertainty. The contract stalemate with Kuminga adds to a history of offseason drama, including Klay Thompson’s previous disputes and roster adjustments aimed at supporting Steph Curry.
Veteran players and fans alike hope for a distraction-free training camp where the team can build chemistry and focus solely on basketball. However, if the Kuminga situation remains unresolved, the Warriors risk entering the season with unresolved tensions that could affect their performance during what may be a final contention window for the franchise’s core stars.