Kuminga to SAC, is there a middle ground?

[NW]

The money, interest and stupidity will all be there next year and both Kuminga and more importantly his agent know this.

You can bank on that every NBA off season.

Kuminga and his agent also know that to get to next offseason he's got to spend another year in Golden State, who's got no incentive to try to help him boost his value if he takes the QO and telegraphs that he's going to walk (which is not to say that we'd bench him out of spite or anything, but we already mostly know how Kerr feels about JK...)

Taking the QO is a huge risk, not just in terms of leaving guaranteed money on the table but in terms of the kind of season he needs to have in 25-26 to get the payday he feels he deserves. If he takes the two year deal, at least GS has some incentive to boost his value so they can trade him for something useful.

All understandable and reasonable as well.

As far as deals this offseason it was completely affected by two factors.

First there simply were not a lot of teams with available cap and those that do have it were mostly sitting on their hands or waiting for a “better deal” to come along (Brooklyn, Utah, Washington) and weren’t looking to commit anyway.

Second the reactivity is o the reality of the spins and their affect on flexibility for midseason additions. A lot of teams were quite obviously operating very cautiously.

I maintain that in a more “normal” off season, the usual gambles will happen.

But I also feel that we are all going to sit here until pretty close to the deadline for the QO and at the end a deal happens to move JK and likely to Sac. There is some pressure on GSW in this because they are held back from any of their other planned moves until this is settled. Meanwhile potential b/u plan pieces that would fit need (Boucher) get picked up and taken off the table.

The plans remain intact and untouched. The 4 guys GS has reported to have mutual interest in -Horford, Melton, Curry, Brogdon haven’t moved and have allowed teams to mostly use up their roster spaces and money. They’re not sitting around eating nachos waiting for the call. They’ll work out, sign the contract and hit training camp.

No pressure on GS. FWIW, they reportedly never had interest in Boucher. Didn’t view him as a “GS guy” for whatever reason.

You’re assuming the next offseason is going to be “normal” with it already reported the cap isn’t going up as high as expected and teams with cap room having players to extend-and the game now seems to be to extend and not let guys get to FA. Add that to the aprons and this is the normal imo

[jbk1234]

Kuminga and his agent also know that to get to next offseason he's got to spend another year in Golden State, who's got no incentive to try to help him boost his value if he takes the QO and telegraphs that he's going to walk (which is not to say that we'd bench him out of spite or anything, but we already mostly know how Kerr feels about JK...)

Taking the QO is a huge risk, not just in terms of leaving guaranteed money on the table but in terms of the kind of season he needs to have in 25-26 to get the payday he feels he deserves. If he takes the two year deal, at least GS has some incentive to boost his value so they can trade him for something useful.

All understandable and reasonable as well.

As far as deals this offseason it was completely affected by two factors.

First there simply were not a lot of teams with available cap and those that do have it were mostly sitting on their hands or waiting for a “better deal” to come along (Brooklyn, Utah, Washington) and weren’t looking to commit anyway.

Second the reactivity is o the reality of the spins and their affect on flexibility for midseason additions. A lot of teams were quite obviously operating very cautiously.

I maintain that in a more “normal” off season, the usual gambles will happen.

But I also feel that we are all going to sit here until pretty close to the deadline for the QO and at the end a deal happens to move JK and likely to Sac. There is some pressure on GSW in this because they are held back from any of their other planned moves until this is settled. Meanwhile potential b/u plan pieces that would fit need (Boucher) get picked up and taken off the table.

The plans remain intact and untouched. The 4 guys GS has reported to have mutual interest in -Horford, Melton, Curry, Brogdon haven’t moved and have allowed teams to mostly use up their roster spaces and money. They’re not sitting around eating nachos waiting for the call. They’ll work out, sign the contract and hit training camp.

No pressure on GS. FWIW, they reportedly never had interest in Boucher. Didn’t view him as a “GS guy” for whatever reason.

You’re assuming the next offseason is going to be “normal” with it already reported the cap isn’t going up as high as expected and teams with cap room having players to extend-and the game now seems to be to extend and not let guys get to FA. Add that to the aprons and this is the normal imo

The pressure comes from the ability of Kuminga to sign the QO before the deadline. If that were to happen, his trade value craters. We're well into the summer. The offers that are going to be made have been made. Outside of hope the Kings do something stupid because they're the Kings, I'm not really seeing the play here.

[NW]

All understandable and reasonable as well.

As far as deals this offseason it was completely affected by two factors.

First there simply were not a lot of teams with available cap and those that do have it were mostly sitting on their hands or waiting for a “better deal” to come along (Brooklyn, Utah, Washington) and weren’t looking to commit anyway.

Second the reactivity is o the reality of the spins and their affect on flexibility for midseason additions. A lot of teams were quite obviously operating very cautiously.

I maintain that in a more “normal” off season, the usual gambles will happen.

But I also feel that we are all going to sit here until pretty close to the deadline for the QO and at the end a deal happens to move JK and likely to Sac. There is some pressure on GSW in this because they are held back from any of their other planned moves until this is settled. Meanwhile potential b/u plan pieces that would fit need (Boucher) get picked up and taken off the table.

The plans remain intact and untouched. The 4 guys GS has reported to have mutual interest in -Horford, Melton, Curry, Brogdon haven’t moved and have allowed teams to mostly use up their roster spaces and money. They’re not sitting around eating nachos waiting for the call. They’ll work out, sign the contract and hit training camp.

No pressure on GS. FWIW, they reportedly never had interest in Boucher. Didn’t view him as a “GS guy” for whatever reason.

You’re assuming the next offseason is going to be “normal” with it already reported the cap isn’t going up as high as expected and teams with cap room having players to extend-and the game now seems to be to extend and not let guys get to FA. Add that to the aprons and this is the normal imo

The pressure comes from the ability of Kuminga to sign the QO before the deadline. If that were to happen, his trade value craters. We're well into the summer. The offers that are going to be made have been made. Outside of hope the Kings do something stupid because they're the Kings, I'm not really seeing the play here.

That’s pressure that hardly anyone sees happening. Fans talk the QO as an option (and yes the threat of it is Kuminga’s sole leverage) but most in the know don’t believe he’ll do it. Leaving too much money on the table that he won’t, losing Bird rights-all for one year of “control”.

There’s a reason players seldom take it and those few that do end up regretting it. One of the chiefs being Victor Oladipo, who took the QO that cost him millions he never got back and fired his agent-a guy by the name of Aaron Turner who is now the agent of one Jonathan Kuminga.

The play is basically negotiating between GS and Kuminga on a reasonable and easily tradeable deal that gets Kuminga reasonably paid. For all intents and purposes, negotiations with the Kings are done unless the Kings want up their offer, which seems unlikely.

Long story short, the QO is a crap option, the Warriors offer is a crap option. GS and Kuminga will find a compromise between the two

[Crives]

I am expecting Kuminga to take QO and end up getting bought out to avoid locker room distraction

[NW]

I am expecting Kuminga to take QO and end up getting bought out to avoid locker room distraction

This team has dealt with unhappy Kevin Durant
Jordan Poole getting punched
Andrew Wiggins and a year worth of tragedy with his father
Klay Thompson dealing with his own morality and that he’s not the old Klay Thompson anymore
Oh yeah, AND DRAYMOND GREEN’S ENTIRE CAREER!

I doubt they’re worried about Kuminga being a locker room distraction any more than they are him taking the QO

[LightTheBeam]

The money, interest and stupidity will all be there next year and both Kuminga and more importantly his agent know this.

You can bank on that every NBA off season.

Kuminga and his agent also know that to get to next offseason he's got to spend another year in Golden State, who's got no incentive to try to help him boost his value if he takes the QO and telegraphs that he's going to walk (which is not to say that we'd bench him out of spite or anything, but we already mostly know how Kerr feels about JK...)

Taking the QO is a huge risk, not just in terms of leaving guaranteed money on the table but in terms of the kind of season he needs to have in 25-26 to get the payday he feels he deserves. If he takes the two year deal, at least GS has some incentive to boost his value so they can trade him for something useful.

The flip side to this. Next year Kuminga will be 23. A few teams already like him. Teams aren't stupid, it's well known JK doesn't want to be there and Kerr isn't a fan. If he plays limited minutes while giving effort, I don't think his value really dips much into next year. He would have to play awful, or cause a significant distraction during the season for teams to avoid.

I don't think the QO is a good route for any player who has offers to make 3x as much. We throw these massive numbers out so much they seem to lose meaning, but 20 million is an insane amount of money. I think players get stubborn from time to time and "bet on themselves". More often then not it doesn't work out. But we've seen guys take less to stay places they want to be and then have it pay off (Naz Reid), I don't think it's crazy to take less to get out of a situation they desperately don't want to be in.

[LightTheBeam]

Just doing a little digging. The guys who took that QO, I'm sure there's plenty of horror stories, but also a few recent success stories.

Bruce Brown accepted it from the nets, later signed with the Nuggets 2/13.5, which led to his massive 2/45 deal with Indiana after the championship success. A player of Bruce Browns caliber, this has to be seen as a win, rather than locking up 4/30 or whatever the nets were offering at that time.

Miles Bridges did it. And even with the off-court issues, he ended up getting rewarded with a 3/75. That certainly wasn't on the table back then. Again different reasons, but definitely paid off for him.

Not saying that it's the smart path, just saying that if the player is good, it can absolutely work out in their favor. He basically needs to make up 12 million over the next contract or two for it to make sense. And gets to choose where he wants to go.

Side note: He's already made 25 million in his career.

[gswhoops]

I am expecting Kuminga to take QO and end up getting bought out to avoid locker room distraction

I mean that's just silly. It's in neither Kuminga's nor Golden State's best interest to create drama to the level of him needing to be bought out right before Kuminga's trying to hit free agency again

[LightTheBeam]

Last note here: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/_/year/2026

Free agency next year is awful. Lebron may leave, but outside of that you are looking at guys like CJ, Porzingis, Tobias, Simons, Collins, Barnes, Powell, Sexton, Rui, Washington. And that is if none of these guys sign extensions, which id say its likely at least a few of the better ones do. Kuminga might be looking at next year as the "prize" of free agency. Sad, but a real possibility.

[gswhoops]

Just doing a little digging. The guys who took that QO, I'm sure there's plenty of horror stories, but also a few recent success stories.

Bruce Brown accepted it from the nets, later signed with the Nuggets 2/13.5, which led to his massive 2/45 deal with Indiana after the championship success. A player of Bruce Browns caliber, this has to be seen as a win, rather than locking up 4/30 or whatever the nets were offering at that time.

Miles Bridges did it. And even with the off-court issues, he ended up getting rewarded with a 3/75. That certainly wasn't on the table back then. Again different reasons, but definitely paid off for him.

Not saying that it's the smart path, just saying that if the player is good, it can absolutely work out in their favor. He basically needs to make up 12 million over the next contract or two for it to make sense. And gets to choose where he wants to go.

Side note: He's already made 25 million in his career.

I think we're generally in agreement that the QO is a risk. It could pay off, but there are more examples of it backfiring than working out (Bridges' case is an anomaly IMO, particularly because he ended up staying with the team that offered him the QO).

I'm not sure I see "he's already made $25M" as a selling point for taking the QO. Having made $25M (before taxes, agency fees, etc.) so far in his career, he's going to turn down $45M guaranteed to bet on the FA market next year?

[gswhoops]

Last note here: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/_/year/2026

Free agency next year is awful. Lebron may leave, but outside of that you are looking at guys like CJ, Porzingis, Tobias, Simons, Collins, Barnes, Powell, Sexton, Rui, Washington. And that is if none of these guys sign extensions, which id say its likely at least a few of the better ones do. Kuminga might be looking at next year as the "prize" of free agency. Sad, but a real possibility.

Yeah this is definitely the theory if he/his agent are advocating for the "take the QO and hit FA next year" approach. But I do think that somewhat depends on him having a good, or at least not bad, season this year.

[LightTheBeam]

Just doing a little digging. The guys who took that QO, I'm sure there's plenty of horror stories, but also a few recent success stories.

Bruce Brown accepted it from the nets, later signed with the Nuggets 2/13.5, which led to his massive 2/45 deal with Indiana after the championship success. A player of Bruce Browns caliber, this has to be seen as a win, rather than locking up 4/30 or whatever the nets were offering at that time.

Miles Bridges did it. And even with the off-court issues, he ended up getting rewarded with a 3/75. That certainly wasn't on the table back then. Again different reasons, but definitely paid off for him.

Not saying that it's the smart path, just saying that if the player is good, it can absolutely work out in their favor. He basically needs to make up 12 million over the next contract or two for it to make sense. And gets to choose where he wants to go.

Side note: He's already made 25 million in his career.

I think we're generally in agreement that the QO is a risk. It could pay off, but there are more examples of it backfiring than working out (Bridges' case is an anomaly IMO, particularly because he ended up staying with the team that offered him the QO).

I'm not sure I see "he's already made $25M" as a selling point for taking the QO. Having made $25M (before taxes, agency fees, etc.) so far in his career, he's going to turn down $45M guaranteed to bet on the FA market next year?

Ya I mean, some people will use examples of bad players and I don't see those as true examples. Nerlens Noel is probably the best example of a scenario it turned out terribly, but truthfully Noel never deserved that contract in the first place. That was an example of a worse player turning down a 4/70, which in todays world would be Kuminga turning down 4/110-115. If Kuminga was being offered that contract, I'd say there's zero chance hes turning it down.

Greg Monroe reportedly turned down 4/54 from the Pistons. Signed the QO 1/5.5, then the next year he signed for 3/51.5 with Mlwaukee. So he got to a situation he wanted and actually made an additional 2 million over those 4 years.

And my point about Kuminga making 25 million wasn't really that he's settled. Its more so that he's not Rodney Hood who at the time of taking the qualifying offer had made 6.4 million in his entire career, and was already 26 years old. Kuminga is younger and has made significantly more money. He's got plenty of time to make up 12-14 million dollars or whatever the exact number is.

[NW]

Just doing a little digging. The guys who took that QO, I'm sure there's plenty of horror stories, but also a few recent success stories.

Bruce Brown accepted it from the nets, later signed with the Nuggets 2/13.5, which led to his massive 2/45 deal with Indiana after the championship success. A player of Bruce Browns caliber, this has to be seen as a win, rather than locking up 4/30 or whatever the nets were offering at that time.

Miles Bridges did it. And even with the off-court issues, he ended up getting rewarded with a 3/75. That certainly wasn't on the table back then. Again different reasons, but definitely paid off for him.

Not saying that it's the smart path, just saying that if the player is good, it can absolutely work out in their favor. He basically needs to make up 12 million over the next contract or two for it to make sense. And gets to choose where he wants to go.

Side note: He's already made 25 million in his career.

So, Brown slugged it out for the QO and two more low paid years before getting a deal that is basically similar to what the Warriors are offering (minus the player option in the second year) for basically the same purpose as a trade chip.

And the Miles Bridges situation is different to say the least. All due respect, but it's a little flippant to say it's just $12 mil or he's made $25 mil already imo.

[NW]

Last note here: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/_/year/2026

Free agency next year is awful. Lebron may leave, but outside of that you are looking at guys like CJ, Porzingis, Tobias, Simons, Collins, Barnes, Powell, Sexton, Rui, Washington. And that is if none of these guys sign extensions, which id say its likely at least a few of the better ones do. Kuminga might be looking at next year as the "prize" of free agency. Sad, but a real possibility.

Another note is the cap space for most teams. https://www.spotrac.com/nba/cap/_/year/2026/sort/cap_maximum_space/dir/desc

Taking into account extensions, filling out the rosters etc. I don't see a lot of teams with the option to have $20 mil or more to use on Kuminga. The market isn't great for him now with the three teams with interest being some of the least skilled FOs in the league (in fairness the Kings is new and can't be held responsible for the previous regime) and two of which won't have the cap room and the other (Chicago) depends on who all they re-sign

[LightTheBeam]

Just doing a little digging. The guys who took that QO, I'm sure there's plenty of horror stories, but also a few recent success stories.

Bruce Brown accepted it from the nets, later signed with the Nuggets 2/13.5, which led to his massive 2/45 deal with Indiana after the championship success. A player of Bruce Browns caliber, this has to be seen as a win, rather than locking up 4/30 or whatever the nets were offering at that time.

Miles Bridges did it. And even with the off-court issues, he ended up getting rewarded with a 3/75. That certainly wasn't on the table back then. Again different reasons, but definitely paid off for him.

Not saying that it's the smart path, just saying that if the player is good, it can absolutely work out in their favor. He basically needs to make up 12 million over the next contract or two for it to make sense. And gets to choose where he wants to go.

Side note: He's already made 25 million in his career.

So, Brown slugged it out for the QO and two more low paid years before getting a deal that is basically similar to what the Warriors are offering (minus the player option in the second year) for basically the same purpose as a trade chip.

And the Miles Bridges situation is different to say the least. All due respect, but it's a little flippant to say it's just $12 mil or he's made $25 mil already imo.

In what world is what Brown made relevant to what Kuminga stands to make? The Nets were offering 3/18 extension and he turned it down.

Kuminga is reportedly being offered 3/63 (at least) from Sac in a S&T and 4/90 from Phoenix. Warriors are offering a 2nd year team option, waiving ntc, and less annually.

It's irrelevant the actual dollar amount Brown made compared to Kuminga, they are different players. It is however relevant that Brown ended up making the same taking the QO as he would have signing the Nets deal, got to pick the team he wanted which led to a championship, and ultimately a massive 2 year deal for a bench player. He bet on himself, and it was absolutely the right decision.

[LightTheBeam]

Last note here: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/_/year/2026

Free agency next year is awful. Lebron may leave, but outside of that you are looking at guys like CJ, Porzingis, Tobias, Simons, Collins, Barnes, Powell, Sexton, Rui, Washington. And that is if none of these guys sign extensions, which id say its likely at least a few of the better ones do. Kuminga might be looking at next year as the "prize" of free agency. Sad, but a real possibility.

Another note is the cap space for most teams. https://www.spotrac.com/nba/cap/_/year/2026/sort/cap_maximum_space/dir/desc

Taking into account extensions, filling out the rosters etc. I don't see a lot of teams with the option to have $20 mil or more to use on Kuminga. The market isn't great for him now with the three teams with interest being some of the least skilled FOs in the league (in fairness the Kings is new and can't be held responsible for the previous regime) and two of which won't have the cap room and the other (Chicago) depends on who all they re-sign

What you linked is not close to accurate. And some reason the "cap space projected practical" hasnt updated which is always far more accurate.

Just take Chicago who is currently listed as significantly over the cap, when in reality they have 61 million invested into next years roster. It's likely a Giddey deal gets done, so I'll put them somewhere in the 85 range. I'm fairly certain they will be okay releasing the 113 million in cap holds allocated to Vuc, Collins, Huerter, Terry and Carter. In reality there are only 2 players who stand to POTENTIALLY receive extensions from that team - Coby White who we just saw his role get massively devalued this summer, and Ayo who is probably a sub 10 million a year kind of player. And adding Okoro more than likely solves an Ayo replacement rather than preventing a Kuminga deal.

Utah is another team that isn't close to over the cap. In reality they have 59-60 committed to the cap, and another 32 million in rookie options, some of which may be picked up, but I'm sure some won't be.

I'm sure I can find another 5-10 teams definite or potential cap space. If you are looking at this list as accurate, I can see how your view may be misguided.

I feel like you are pretty dug into to this belief that Kuminga should just accept whatever GS has to offer because it's better than risking it with the QO. I tend to agree players should secure money when they can, but there's examples of it working for said players betting on themselves. And especially looking at next years free agency, Id be very interested in keeping myself available if I was Kuminga.

[NW]

Just doing a little digging. The guys who took that QO, I'm sure there's plenty of horror stories, but also a few recent success stories.

Bruce Brown accepted it from the nets, later signed with the Nuggets 2/13.5, which led to his massive 2/45 deal with Indiana after the championship success. A player of Bruce Browns caliber, this has to be seen as a win, rather than locking up 4/30 or whatever the nets were offering at that time.

Miles Bridges did it. And even with the off-court issues, he ended up getting rewarded with a 3/75. That certainly wasn't on the table back then. Again different reasons, but definitely paid off for him.

Not saying that it's the smart path, just saying that if the player is good, it can absolutely work out in their favor. He basically needs to make up 12 million over the next contract or two for it to make sense. And gets to choose where he wants to go.

Side note: He's already made 25 million in his career.

So, Brown slugged it out for the QO and two more low paid years before getting a deal that is basically similar to what the Warriors are offering (minus the player option in the second year) for basically the same purpose as a trade chip.

And the Miles Bridges situation is different to say the least. All due respect, but it's a little flippant to say it's just $12 mil or he's made $25 mil already imo.

In what world is what Brown made relevant to what Kuminga stands to make? The Nets were offering 3/18 extension and he turned it down.

Kuminga is reportedly being offered 3/63 (at least) from Sac in a S&T and 4/90 from Phoenix. Warriors are offering a 2nd year team option, waiving ntc, and less annually.

It's irrelevant the actual dollar amount Brown made compared to Kuminga, they are different players. It is however relevant that Brown ended up making the same taking the QO as he would have signing the Nets deal, got to pick the team he wanted which led to a championship, and ultimately a massive 2 year deal for a bench player. He bet on himself, and it was absolutely the right decision.

If you’re going to compare, but then say it’s two different players, fine.
So cause Kuminga is better than Brown because he got two high S&T offers?
Because Kuminga got two high S&T offers from teams that will be unable to sign him outright off the QO, hardly means that’s waiting for him anymore than it was for Brown (who smartly hooked up with Jokic). For the rare QO success story, far more horror stories imo

[NW]

Last note here: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/_/year/2026

Free agency next year is awful. Lebron may leave, but outside of that you are looking at guys like CJ, Porzingis, Tobias, Simons, Collins, Barnes, Powell, Sexton, Rui, Washington. And that is if none of these guys sign extensions, which id say its likely at least a few of the better ones do. Kuminga might be looking at next year as the "prize" of free agency. Sad, but a real possibility.

Another note is the cap space for most teams. https://www.spotrac.com/nba/cap/_/year/2026/sort/cap_maximum_space/dir/desc

Taking into account extensions, filling out the rosters etc. I don't see a lot of teams with the option to have $20 mil or more to use on Kuminga. The market isn't great for him now with the three teams with interest being some of the least skilled FOs in the league (in fairness the Kings is new and can't be held responsible for the previous regime) and two of which won't have the cap room and the other (Chicago) depends on who all they re-sign

What you linked is not close to accurate. And some reason the "cap space projected practical" hasnt updated which is always far more accurate.

Just take Chicago who is currently listed as significantly over the cap, when in reality they have 61 million invested into next years roster. It's likely a Giddey deal gets done, so I'll put them somewhere in the 85 range. I'm fairly certain they will be okay releasing the 113 million in cap holds allocated to Vuc, Collins, Huerter, Terry and Carter. In reality there are only 2 players who stand to POTENTIALLY receive extensions from that team - Coby White who we just saw his role get massively devalued this summer, and Ayo who is probably a sub 10 million a year kind of player. And adding Okoro more than likely solves an Ayo replacement rather than preventing a Kuminga deal.

Utah is another team that isn't close to over the cap. In reality they have 59-60 committed to the cap, and another 32 million in rookie options, some of which may be picked up, but I'm sure some won't be.

I'm sure I can find another 5-10 teams definite or potential cap space. If you are looking at this list as accurate, I can see how your view may be misguided.

I feel like you are pretty dug into to this belief that Kuminga should just accept whatever GS has to offer because it's better than risking it with the QO. I tend to agree players should secure money when they can, but there's examples of it working for said players betting on themselves. And especially looking at next years free agency, Id be very interested in keeping myself available if I was Kuminga.

If you actually click on the teams, it shows what actual cap space each team has separating cap holds and the like. We’ll see on your assumptions on who the pending FAs receive from their current teams. The teams with the available cap space to sign Kuminga and feel out their team (much less have interest) is far from the number you seem to think imo, but you’re welcome to check.

Never said Kuminga should just take whatever deal GS tosses and have no illusions that the current one isn’t bad (nor do I expect it to be the final deal), but the deal will be better than the QO and costing himself millions for the sake of control for a year if that.

Agree to disagree. We’ll see what happens

[LightTheBeam]

So, Brown slugged it out for the QO and two more low paid years before getting a deal that is basically similar to what the Warriors are offering (minus the player option in the second year) for basically the same purpose as a trade chip.

And the Miles Bridges situation is different to say the least. All due respect, but it's a little flippant to say it's just $12 mil or he's made $25 mil already imo.

In what world is what Brown made relevant to what Kuminga stands to make? The Nets were offering 3/18 extension and he turned it down.

Kuminga is reportedly being offered 3/63 (at least) from Sac in a S&T and 4/90 from Phoenix. Warriors are offering a 2nd year team option, waiving ntc, and less annually.

It's irrelevant the actual dollar amount Brown made compared to Kuminga, they are different players. It is however relevant that Brown ended up making the same taking the QO as he would have signing the Nets deal, got to pick the team he wanted which led to a championship, and ultimately a massive 2 year deal for a bench player. He bet on himself, and it was absolutely the right decision.

If you’re going to compare, but then say it’s two different players, fine.
So cause Kuminga is better than Brown because he got two high S&T offers?
Because Kuminga got two high S&T offers from teams that will be unable to sign him outright off the QO, hardly means that’s waiting for him anymore than it was for Brown (who smartly hooked up with Jokic). For the rare QO success story, far more horror stories imo

The point is that Brown wasn't nearly as touted as kuminga.

I keep hearing about all these horror stories. We know about Noel. Who else really got screwed taking the QO?

[LightTheBeam]

Another note is the cap space for most teams. https://www.spotrac.com/nba/cap/_/year/2026/sort/cap_maximum_space/dir/desc

Taking into account extensions, filling out the rosters etc. I don't see a lot of teams with the option to have $20 mil or more to use on Kuminga. The market isn't great for him now with the three teams with interest being some of the least skilled FOs in the league (in fairness the Kings is new and can't be held responsible for the previous regime) and two of which won't have the cap room and the other (Chicago) depends on who all they re-sign

What you linked is not close to accurate. And some reason the "cap space projected practical" hasnt updated which is always far more accurate.

Just take Chicago who is currently listed as significantly over the cap, when in reality they have 61 million invested into next years roster. It's likely a Giddey deal gets done, so I'll put them somewhere in the 85 range. I'm fairly certain they will be okay releasing the 113 million in cap holds allocated to Vuc, Collins, Huerter, Terry and Carter. In reality there are only 2 players who stand to POTENTIALLY receive extensions from that team - Coby White who we just saw his role get massively devalued this summer, and Ayo who is probably a sub 10 million a year kind of player. And adding Okoro more than likely solves an Ayo replacement rather than preventing a Kuminga deal.

Utah is another team that isn't close to over the cap. In reality they have 59-60 committed to the cap, and another 32 million in rookie options, some of which may be picked up, but I'm sure some won't be.

I'm sure I can find another 5-10 teams definite or potential cap space. If you are looking at this list as accurate, I can see how your view may be misguided.

I feel like you are pretty dug into to this belief that Kuminga should just accept whatever GS has to offer because it's better than risking it with the QO. I tend to agree players should secure money when they can, but there's examples of it working for said players betting on themselves. And especially looking at next years free agency, Id be very interested in keeping myself available if I was Kuminga.

If you actually click on the teams, it shows what actual cap space each team has separating cap holds and the like. We’ll see on your assumptions on who the pending FAs receive from their current teams. The teams with the available cap space to sign Kuminga and feel out their team (much less have interest) is far from the number you seem to think imo, but you’re welcome to check.

Never said Kuminga should just take whatever deal GS tosses and have no illusions that the current one isn’t bad (nor do I expect it to be the final deal), but the deal will be better than the QO and costing himself millions for the sake of control for a year if that.

Agree to disagree. We’ll see what happens

Without digging to deep
Chicago
Utah
Brooklyn
Washington
LA
Detroit
Blazers
Are all teams who can easily have cap space next year.

Sacramento, the biggest chaser of Kuminga needs about 1 trade and a LaVine stretch to join that group.

Now would any of these teams be interested in Kuminga, I have no idea. But he could easily find a 20+ million a year deal on a team he wants to go to.