Jonathan Kuminga is ready to put pen to paper if the Golden State Warriors give in to one significant contract demand.
Kuminga and the Warriors have been in a stalemate all offseason as the 22-year-old seeks a new contract following the expiry of his rookie deal. Golden State’s offer on the table is reportedly $75.2 million over three seasons — significantly better terms for Kuminga compared to the team’s standing offer last month.
The Warriors are keeping the final year of the offer a team option. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Kuminga is “prepared to sign” if Golden State switches the team option to a player option on the third year.
During a Tuesday appearance on “NBA Today,” Slater shared that he spoke to Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, earlier in the day. Turner told him that if the Warriors grant Kuminga’s request, the incoming fifth-year player “will be completely bought in on the mission” to help Steph Curry and Draymond Green win a fifth championship.
Several reports have emerged over the past two years noting Kuminga’s rocky relationship with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Kuminga’s camp sees landing a player option as a “show of goodwill” following “years of confusion” Kuminga experienced regarding his role with the Warriors.
If granted the player option, Kuminga would reportedly be more accepting of fluctuating minutes and a bench role. He would also be more open to being used as a trade chip, similar to what happened with his draft classmate Jalen Green.
The former Houston Rockets guard was the first player to sign a rookie extension with a player option, and was indeed traded before the deal’s expiry.
