Steve Kerr 'Not Worried' About Jonathan Kuminga's Buy-In amid Warriors Trade Rumors
Former restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga had a long contract standoff with the Golden State Warriors this summer before he agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million deal with a 2026-27 team option and a 15 percent trade kicker.
That hasn't stopped persistent trade rumors and talk, though, as the Warriors ready for the regular season.
He's still on the team for now, though, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters he has a good relationship with Kuminga and that he doesn't see him being someone who would "come in and tear a team down." Kerr also told reporters that he's confident in how veterans Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green run the locker room, per ESPN's Anthony Slater.
"Jimmy is an alpha," Kerr said. "Steph and Draymond are alphas. They run that locker room. I'm not worried about anything."
Kuminga has played four NBA seasons, all with the Warriors. He averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season but particularly showcased his talents from Games 2-5 in the second round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves with Curry (Grade 1 left hamstring strain) sidelined, posting 24.3 points per game.
Kuminga and the Warriors didn't agree on contract details for quite some time. ESPN's Shams Charania provided some insight on Tuesday.
"Over the past two months, the Warriors have had a standing offer of two years and $45 million with a team option, and earlier this month offered a three-year, $75 million contract with a team option and a three-year, $54 million fully guaranteed deal. Kuminga and his side wanted a player option throughout the negotiations, or a higher annual salary with a team option, requests that were denied by the Warriors.
"Choosing the two-year structure allows Kuminga to create a decision for whichever team he is on next summer or get to 2027 unrestricted free agency."
Despite Kuminga being under contract, there's certainly question about his future, especially with the team option. Plus, the team could trade Kuminga as soon as January 15.
"Now, both sides understand the likelihood of exploring trades when Kuminga is eligible to be moved in mid-January," Charania also noted. "As part of the deal, he is waiving his inherent no-trade clause."
Mark Willard of 95.7 The Game even predicted that Kuminga could be gone within a year.
For now, though, Kuminga is a Warrior, and there isn't any indication or sign that there will be any issues whatsoever. Kerr is clearly confident of that, citing his locker room leaders and his relationship with Kuminga.
In the meantime, training camp is underway for Golden State, which starts its preseason slate on Oct. 5 at home versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
