The Golden State Warriors are approaching Jonathan Kuminga’s decision time and they need to get it right.
Jonathan Cuminga stood out as a talented player, but he’s struggling to fit the Golden State Warriors’ plans.
Cuminga’s best performance came when Stephen Curry was injured. Coach Steve Kerr admitted that players face an uncertain future.
This offseason Cuminga will become a restricted free agent when warriors are widely expected to sign him into a new deal and then exchange him. The Chicago Bulls are a team of interest.
But they are warned that it may not be that simple for the Golden State.
Speaking to Bay Area Outlet 95.7, ESPN expert Ramona Shelburne warns if the Warriors will make it all wrong with Jonathan Kuminga.
She explains: “If the Warriors make up an offer that (Jonathan Cuminga) was offered fewer than what he was offered last year, or less than what he was offered, he scoffs at it, then will it really take a long time to make a decision and tie the cap space?
“The Kuminga questions are hanging from everything because they can get messy.”
Cuminga won $7.6 million in the 2024-25 season, and once his rookie season is over, he is looking to hit the jackpot.
The Warriors can soften Kuminga with a qualifying offer of around $7.9 million.
But as Shelburne points out, Cuminga can drag the situation out and make life a little more complicated for warriors. This allows you to miss out on other free agents.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy says he is ready to say that Kuminga’s situation could be dragged over, but of course he doesn’t know how long this will be, and the actual disadvantage.
Golden State Warriors’ Stalwart Draymond Green has already warned Jonathan Kuminga to keep quiet and not to have any issues with him.
Speaking recently after a comment from Steve Kerr, he said that he can’t fit Kuminga in his preferred rotation as a starter to play the minutes the players want, Green had some advice.
“Frankly, I don’t think JKs should do the next interview until after the free agency.”
“Don’t say anything, the free agency is happening. You have to enter free agency. He is a restricted free agent. You need to understand what works for you. And that happens anyway.
“(I’m not going to sit here and discuss or go back and forth over his beliefs. I don’t think JK should either.”