Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga rejected the Golden State Warriors’ latest contract proposal and continues exploring sign-and-trade opportunities, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Kuminga told ESPN after a Thursday morning workout in Miami that he found nothing appealing in the Warriors’ recent offers. The stalemate has kept Golden State’s other offseason business on hold as they remain the only NBA team not to sign or trade for a player this summer.
Agent Aaron Turner has spent July searching for sign-and-trade opportunities, with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings showing the most tangible interest. Both teams remain on the fringe of discussions while attempting to engage the Warriors on potential packages.
Golden State wants a promising young player and a first-round pick in any Kuminga sign-and-trade deal. The Warriors also refuse to take on what they consider bad salary, creating complications for potential suitors.
Beyond contract demands, Kuminga is searching for a more guaranteed, consistent starting role and featured opportunity than he has with the Warriors. The Suns and Kings have pitched him on expanded roles in their respective systems.
Kuminga was entirely out of the rotation in the first round against Houston but scored 18, 30, 23 and 26 points in the final four playoff games against Minnesota after Stephen Curry’s injury. The contrasting playoff experiences have shaped his current mindset about his role.
Kuminga has until October 1 to accept Golden State’s standing one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. Accepting would give him an expiring deal with an inherent no-trade clause, providing maximum long-term career control.
Coach Steve Kerr has been among the leading voices trying to repair the relationship, telling Kuminga he would be a significant part of the rotation next season. The Warriors need his supplementary scoring when Curry, 37, or Jimmy Butler, 35, rest.