How much Kuminga, Warriors reportedly parted ways in contract talks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors were unable to agree to terms on a contract extension before the Oct. 21 rookie contract deadline, leaving his future in Golden State as uncertain as ever.
The negotiations were about $5 million apart, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported, citing league sources, with Kuminga targeting an annual salary of about $35 million and the Warriors maxing out at about $30 million.
Ultimately, no deal materialized and Kuminga will now bet on himself in his fourth NBA season.
And as expected, the rumors will continue to surround the 22-year-old forward, especially because of his position with Golden State in question. That became clear this week when Kuminga was moved to the bench after starting the first three games of the season, something The Athletic’s Sam Amick said Kuminga is “clearly not happy about”.
He continued to play more minutes and score more points in those two games off the bench, finishing with 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in Tuesday’s win against the New Orleans Pelicans and 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. one steal in Wednesday’s win over the Pelicans.
With the loss of franchise icon Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors went all-in to land Paul George and Lauri Markkanen in a potential package that would have also included Kuminga. They scored twice.
Now, rival executives believe Golden State is “more willing than ever” to acquire Kuminga in a trade of significant size, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, and the team still expects a high-value player in return. One player to keep an eye on is Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, who drew interest from the Warriors this offseason and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer after not agreeing to an extension with Miami, Amick wrote, citing to sources.
In five games this season, Kuminga is averaging 11.4 points on 40.8 percent shooting with 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 23 minutes.
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