The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga find themselves in a critical situation. The Warriors hoped that they could unload Kuminga this summer and upgrade their roster. It is clear that he is not part of their future, but can they mend fences and find a way that benefits both sides? Right now, it seems like Kuminga is determined to find a team that values him. But he can also make a move that will completely ruin the short-term future of the Golden State Warriors.
Worst Case Scenario: How Kuminga Can Paralyze Warriors’ Future
Before free agency began, the Golden State Warriors extended a qualifying offer to Kuminga, hoping to use him as an asset in the future. That ensured that he would be a restricted free agent. According to the latest reports by Shams Charania, the former lottery pick is in no rush to sign the offer. The two sides have been working on a deal that will benefit both. For Kuminga, that means finding a team that will guarantee him a starting spot and playing time. For the Warriors, it means getting assets back that can help their short-term future and compete in the next two years.
The problem is that, because of the lack of cap space among teams, the market for restricted free agents is almost non-existent. Kuminga and his camp are looking for sign-and-trade options. Yet, if they do not find one, they can always come back and accept the qualifying offer which is valued at $7.9 million. The timing is everything here. The Warriors can no longer rescind that offer. And if Kuminga waits and signs that offer sometimes in September (he has time until October 1), he will essentially become an expiring contract they cannot trade.
Due to NBA rules, teams cannot trade their players for six months after they sign them. So, if Kuminga signs the offer in September, he will not be eligible for trades at the February deadline. He will lose money, but also become an unrestricted free agent next summer. And until they sort the Kuminga deal, they are not ready to make other signings.
The Warriors Cannot Afford to Lose Kuminga for Nothing
The tension between the two sides can reach a critical point. For the Warriors, it is crucial that they find a solution sooner rather than later. Last offseason, Lauri Markkanen did a similar thing, signing a contract where he would not be eligible to be dealt last season. The difference is that he signed a long-term contract, but the idea was the same: get a one-year, no-trade clause.
The Warriors do not have many assets they can use to improve their roster besides Kuminga. If he signs the offer sheet in September, they will have to play him. History shows they are not interested in playing him, with head coach Steve Kerr even saying that Kuminga is not a guy he can play and expect to win.
Besides Kuminga, their remaining trade assets include Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski. But they are all part of the rotation.
Kuminga is the guy who will decide the short-term future of the Golden State Warriors. That has been the case for a few years now. But this summer, that statement is truer than ever. The worst-case scenario for GSW is Kuminga signs the offer sheet, becomes ineligible for trades, and they cannot find a spot for him in the rotation. He can sit out the entire year and walk away next season for nothing, hoping to find a team that will give him a chance. Considering that the Warriors are on a two-year window with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, losing one year because of Kuminga will be devastating.
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