UPDATE: Tensions rise as the Golden State Warriors continue contentious contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Veteran stars Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler remain optimistic that this September distraction won’t derail the team’s championship ambitions.
During media day in San Francisco on Monday morning, Green stated, “I don’t think anyone is winning a championship the first few days of practice.” With the Warriors’ first practice set for Tuesday, Kuminga’s absence looms large, impacting not only his participation but also the contracts of new veterans Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, who cannot finalize their deals until Kuminga’s situation resolves.
Curry emphasized the team’s respect for the negotiation process, saying, “When he’s here, ready to work, we expect him to be locked in on doing what he needs to do to help us win.” However, Kuminga has so far rebuffed the Warriors’ two-year, $45 million and three-year, $75.2 million offers, insisting on more favorable terms.
“A contract negotiation is a contract negotiation for a reason,” Green remarked, highlighting that negotiations often involve heated exchanges and differing interests.
Kuminga’s leverage lies in a one-year, $8 million qualifying offer that expires on Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET. If he declines, the Warriors risk losing their 2021 No. 7 draft pick for nothing next summer, as Kuminga seeks a player-friendly deal or a potential sign-and-trade.
Both Green and Curry have been in contact with Kuminga throughout this process. Green noted, “Do I think he still wants to be here? Yeah. He said that to me.” Despite the ongoing negotiations, Curry remains confident in Kuminga’s commitment: “I just know from man-to-man, he doesn’t want to have to be in the way of anything.”
The absence of Kuminga, along with Horford and Melton, leaves the Warriors with only 11 full roster players at their first practice, complicating preparations as the season nears. Green admitted, “We’ll be tired as hell going through practice,” acknowledging the challenge of preparing without key contributors.
As the clock ticks down on Kuminga’s qualifying offer, fans and teammates alike hope for a swift resolution. With the stakes high, the Warriors remain focused on their championship pursuit, even as distractions linger.
Expect to see developments in the coming days as negotiations continue and the Warriors gear up for their season opener. Will Kuminga find common ground with the team, or will the contract dispute lead to further complications? Keep an eye on this unfolding story.
