Jonathan Kuminga Reportedly Could Sign 'Short-Term' Warriors Contract Amid NBA Rumors

Given the limited cap space remaining around the NBA after the first two days of free agency, Jonathan Kuminga's time with the Golden State Warriors might not be over.

Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, there's a feeling within the league that Kuminga could return to the Warriors on a "short-term" contract.

Kuminga is a restricted free agent, giving the Warriors an opportunity to match any offer sheet he might receive from another team. There's also incentive for Golden State to want a relatively quick resolution to this situation because he currently has a $22.9 million cap hold until he signs a new deal.

Fischer did cite four other teams to keep an eye on as landing spots for Kuminga, but there's nothing to suggest "significant traction" because of his asking price and where those clubs are at financially.

The teams on the list include the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings. Miami had interest in Kuminga during trade negotiations with the Warriors for Jimmy Butler during the season.

If the Heat did want to bring in Kuminga, they created a $16 million trade exception on Tuesday when they agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons for Duncan Robinson.

K.C. Johnson of CHSN reported on Tuesday there's been no "traction" on the Bulls adding Kuminga. The Kings popped up as a potential landing spot for the 22-year-old prior to the draft.

Fischer did write about Malik Monk as a potential return for the Warriors in a sign-and-trade with the Kings, as well as the difficulties for the Pelicans to actually pull off a deal for Kuminga:

"I've confirmed that the Pelicans hold an interest in Kuminga, but various team salary cap experts have pointed out to me that New Orleans has no easy route to take Kuminga on its books at his desired contract range. The cap gymnastics needed to keep the Pelicans out of the luxury tax—which has been a perennial priority for ownership—are described as considerable.

"Sources say that Sacramento, meanwhile, would be interested in including Malik Monk in any outgoing trade package, but nothing substantial has materialized with the Warriors."

A lot of this could also come down to Kuminga's asking price on a new contract. He was seeking a deal worth at least $30 million annually from the Warriors prior to the start of last season.

It's unclear if Kuminga has changed his stance, though the market seems to be dictating he might have to settle for less. The Warriors could take advantage of this to get him back on a fairly cheap deal, though that raises other potential issues given the apparent disconnect that has existed at times between Kuminga and head coach Steve Kerr.

Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting and 4.0 rebounds per game in 258 career games.