Jonathan Kuminga Reportedly Expected to Be RFA After Warriors Tender $7.9M Contract
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga appears to be heading to restricted free agency.
Bobby Marks of ESPN reported that the 22-year-old is likely to be tendered by the Warriors, but that cap constraints on the roster make signing him difficult. This could make a sign-and-trade a solid option for the team or could lead to him leaving on the open market.
"The Warriors are expected to tender him a $7.9 million one-year qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent," Marks wrote. "With Brooklyn as the only team to offer a starting salary of $20 million or more (Golden State would have the right to match), the best option could be exploring a sign-and-trade."
While Marks acknowledged that the sign-and-trade is the most intriguing option, Marks noted that there are some challenges with that option.
"There are two challenges in a sign-and-trade besides Kuminga having to sign at least a three-year contract with the first season guaranteed," Marks wrote. "First, only 50% of Kuminga's outgoing salary is used in a trade, not the full amount. (For example, if the salary in the first year is $30 million, $15 million counts as outgoing salary and $30 million is incoming for the acquiring team.)"
The Warriors have invested 85 percent of their payroll to Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. The franchise is currently under the first apron, per Spotrac, but investing a significant amount in a singular player will make it even harder to build some quality depth to contend in the strong Western Conference.
Kuminga is entering his fifth NBA season and averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 games. He only started 10 games and became less relied upon when the team picked up Butler midseason but is still a promising piece that could thrive in an expanded role.
The Warriors have expressed a desire to keep Kuminga but could be priced out. If it comes to that, recouping some value to build cheap depth could be an intriguing option.
