Jonathan Kuminga Reportedly Eyeing $25M AAV Contract in Warriors Talks Amid NBA FA
Even though the market for the top-tier restricted free agents has yet to materialize, Jonathan Kuminga is still seeking a lucrative contract from either the Golden State Warriors or another club.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, Kuminga wants a deal worth at least $25 million per season and he would be willing to take a short-term contract to make it happen.
Any team that tries to get Kuminga for that much money would have to acquire him via sign-and-trade.
There does appear to be some movement for Kuminga in what has been a slow start to the offseason. Fischer cited the Phoenix Suns as having some interest in doing a sign-and-trade deal for the 22-year-old.
In the wake of agreeing to a buyout with Bradley Beal, ESPN's Bobby Marks noted the Suns could get as much as $20.5 million under the second apron.
Unfortunately for the Suns, the cost of a trade in a potential sign-and-trade is believed to be very steep. The Athletic's Anthony Slater reported on July 4 that Golden State is seeking a "promising young player" and first-round draft pick in exchange for Kuminga.
The Suns don't control their own first-round pick until 2031. That would be a lot to give up for a player like Kuminga, who is still young enough to bet on his upside while never fully living up to his ability at this point.
One problem from the Warriors side is it's not a secret that Kuminga and head coach Steve Kerr has frequently butted heads. Kuminga reportedly lost faith in Kerr at one point during the 2023-24 season.
The Ringer's Logan Murdock noted in May that Kerr was "incensed" with Kuminga during an Apri 11 game against the Portland Trail Blazers for looking off Stephen Curry to create offense for himself.
Kuminga does have some leverage over the Warriors because he has the highest ceiling of any young player on their roster at a time when they are heavily invested in an old core with Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
If both parties are going to remain headstrong in their wants and demands, it will be fascinating to see how the situation ends up getting resolved. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in 47 appearances last season.
