Jonathan Kuminga Reaches Two-Year Deal with Warriors
In a resolution to a prolonged summer deadlock, Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent, has finalized a two-year contract worth $48.5 million with the Golden State Warriors, as confirmed by his agent, Aaron Turner, to ESPN on Tuesday.
Contract Details and Future Options
The agreement includes a team option for the second year, allowing the Warriors, or potentially another team if Kuminga is traded, to terminate it and negotiate a new contract after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, according to sources.
Choice of Contract Structure
As the deadline for qualifying offers approached, Kuminga opted for this two-year deal over a three-year, $75 million offer, granting him more control over his near-term future with the Warriors. Negotiations consistently focused on the team option, and both parties now recognize the potential for trade discussions when Kuminga becomes eligible for movement in mid-January. He has waived his no-trade clause as part of this agreement.
Negotiation Dynamics
Throughout the offseason, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kuminga’s camp faced obstacles over contract terms. Finally, Golden State raised its two-year offer by $8 million between July and September, providing Kuminga around $15 million more than his one-year qualifying offer of $8 million for this season.
Financial Implications for the Warriors
The latest negotiations saw Kuminga’s contract rise to $48.5 million over two years, making it the fourth-highest salary on the Warriors’ payroll next season, trailing only Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. This move increases the team’s luxury tax liability by $70 million, totaling over $80 million.
Roster Management and Future Moves
With Kuminga’s salary set at $22.5 million for the upcoming season, the Warriors maintain the flexibility to utilize their $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception and add two players at the veteran minimum. Notably, Gary Payton II has signed a one-year veteran’s minimum contract with the team.
Kuminga’s Performance and Profile
Kuminga has demonstrated his scoring ability, particularly in the postseason, averaging 20.8 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. He also leads the Warriors in paint points over the past two seasons. His career statistics position him among the top performers from the 2021 draft class.
