Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors Could See Re-Signing As Most Pragmatic Path

[RealGM Wiretap]

Jonathan Kuminga heads into restricted free agency with visions still of becoming an All-Star, sources tell The Athletic. Kuminga has struggled to be a consistent contributor for the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr. Kuminga wants to be an on-ball 20-point per game scorer, while Kerr has wanted him to be a connector and key defensive piece and likes to compare him to Shawn Marion. Kuminga has been an awkward fit with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green due to a lack of spacing and fewer opportunities for him on the ball.

But sources also say there isn't an irreconcilable personality clash between Kuminga and either Kerr or the organization.

There is a dearth of cap space available this offseason and the Brooklyn Nets are not expected to have Kuminga in their plans. Brooklyn could instead be a facilitator for multi-team trade scenarios.

The Warriors are unlikely to allow Kuminga to leave in restricted free agency without some return back in the form of a sign-and-trade. But base year compensation complicates any deal as any incoming salary for the Warriors in return for Kuminga will only count as 50 percent of his outgoing salary.

Team sources have hinted that the most pragmatic scenario for all parties is for Kuminga to get his big contract by re-signing with the Warriors, determining whether he could succeed in a featured role, and then finding a workable trade down the road. Sources also tell The Athletic that Kuminga hasn't ruled out a return to the Warriors.

Kuminga, who is represented by Aaron Turner, averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists this past season in 24.3 minutes across 47 games.

Via Anthony Slater/The Athletic

[IliketheBullsNBearstoo]

I doubt it.

[Pickled Prunes]

I doubt it.

GSW have no other way to add depth. Either Kuminga is that depth piece or they resign him and trade him for depth. He's a RFA. Their options are: Match his offer sheet, agree to a S&T or let him walk for nothing. It's hard to imagine the latter happening.

[Red8911]

We all know they’re lying. Just trying to act like they want him so they can get a better sign and trade deal.

[bay2hk]

I doubt it.

GSW have no other way to add depth. Either Kuminga is that depth piece or they resign him and trade him for depth. He's a RFA. Their options are: Match his offer sheet, agree to a S&T or let him walk for nothing. It's hard to imagine the latter happening.

Or warriors just offer him the QO and JK accepts. Doubt any teams will give him more than the non taxpayer MLE. JK doesn’t have leverage.

[Pickled Prunes]

I doubt it.

GSW have no other way to add depth. Either Kuminga is that depth piece or they resign him and trade him for depth. He's a RFA. Their options are: Match his offer sheet, agree to a S&T or let him walk for nothing. It's hard to imagine the latter happening.

Or warriors just offer him the QO and JK accepts. Doubt any teams will give him more than the non taxpayer MLE. JK doesn’t have leverage.

He will certainly get more than the QO. He is only 22 and averaged 23/7 Per 36. His stats are artificially deflated by his lack of playing time. He'd be putting up big numbers on a bad team.

[bay2hk]

GSW have no other way to add depth. Either Kuminga is that depth piece or they resign him and trade him for depth. He's a RFA. Their options are: Match his offer sheet, agree to a S&T or let him walk for nothing. It's hard to imagine the latter happening.

Or warriors just offer him the QO and JK accepts. Doubt any teams will give him more than the non taxpayer MLE. JK doesn’t have leverage.

He will certainly get more than the QO. He is only 22 and averaged 23/7 Per 36. His stats are artificially deflated by his lack of playing time. He'd be putting up big numbers on a bad team.

He’s def worth more than the $8m QO, but Nets are the only team with cap space and they will not pursue him this offseason. This means the max offer JK will likely get is the non taxpayer MLE which starts at $14.1M in the first year.

[pushfloater]

Jeez didn’t they offer him 150 over 5 years before… who’s his agent

[watpho71]

We all know they’re lying. Just trying to act like they want him so they can get a better sign and trade deal.

It's more of a balancing act than a lie. The franchise has priorities going into the off-season and different scenarios to scale. Of course they want the value of all their players to appear as inflated as possible, but more importantly maintain a healthy working relationship.

[beefymajesto]

I don't get the idea that they won't let him leave without sign and trade. Sign that big deal with another team and they match it or they don't. If they can't match he gone. The player has the leverage to seek that lucrative deal and force the teams hand.

[pieguyxx]

Not everyone is down to play Steph-ball including vets (Hield) when it gets down to it because of $. Given Kerr's career success he probably doesnt care but also shouldnt be surprised when players arent for it.

[Pickled Prunes]

Or warriors just offer him the QO and JK accepts. Doubt any teams will give him more than the non taxpayer MLE. JK doesn’t have leverage.

He will certainly get more than the QO. He is only 22 and averaged 23/7 Per 36. His stats are artificially deflated by his lack of playing time. He'd be putting up big numbers on a bad team.

He’s def worth more than the $8m QO, but Nets are the only team with cap space and they will not pursue him this offseason. This means the max offer JK will likely get is the non taxpayer MLE which starts at $14.1M in the first year.

Teams are not limited by cap space in a S&T. All 29 other teams could make that happen.