Why the Golden State Warriors are Expected to Bag $45 Million Deal with Jonathan Kuminga | NBA News
The Golden State Warriors appear to be closing in on a resolution to their ongoing contract standoff with forward Jonathan Kuminga. Reports indicate that the organization is likely to meet Kuminga’s key demand by adding a player option to the proposed deal, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding one of their rising stars.
The Current Jonathan Kuminga Stalemate
Negotiations between the Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga have been at a standstill. Golden State has tabled an offer worth $45 million over two years, including a team option for the 2026-27 season. However, Kuminga has pushed for a player option instead, while also seeking compensation more in line with recent long-term deals given to peers like Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors—both earning over $40 million annually.
Why a Sign-and-Trade Looks Unlikely
Early speculation suggested that a sign-and-trade could be a way out of the impasse. But those odds have diminished. With no significant traction on that front, the expectation is that Kuminga will remain with Golden State, especially as the franchise looks to avoid a scenario where they risk losing him for little in return.
Predicted Resolution: Best of Both Worlds for the Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga (Image via Imagn)
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes the Golden State Warriors will ultimately bend to Kuminga’s request. He projects that the deal will keep Golden State’s proposed salary figures intact while granting Kuminga the security of a player option.Favale explained the potential fallout of failing to do so: “Letting Kuminga sign his qualifying offer would be disastrous. He would be freshly angry and have the right to veto any trade, and his next team wouldn’t own his Bird rights. That eliminates any possibility of Golden State receiving adequate compensation for his services.”By agreeing to these terms, the Warriors would avoid a worst-case scenario and ensure that Kuminga’s future remains tied to the franchise, at least in the short term.
What the Deal Could Look Like
Here’s how the predicted agreement would compare to current contracts of similar young stars:
| Player | Contract Structure | Annual Value | Options Included |
| Jonathan Kuminga | 2 years, $45 million (predicted) | $22.5 million | Player option |
| Cade Cunningham | Long-term extension | $40+ million | Standard player control |
| Scottie Barnes | Long-term extension | $40+ million | Standard player control |
This structure provides Kuminga financial security while giving him some control over his career trajectory, which has been his main sticking point throughout talks.
Impact on the Golden State Warriors’ Roster Plans
Resolving Kuminga’s contract is not just about keeping a young forward happy—it also has major implications for Golden State’s roster-building. The Warriors have been largely inactive this offseason, signing only rookies, while the Jonathan Kuminga situation effectively froze their ability to add veteran depth.Once finalized, the deal would free the front office to pursue additional signings and strengthen the rotation ahead of the 2025-26 season, a campaign in which Golden State hopes to reestablish itself as a serious contender.The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga seem poised to reach a compromise that satisfies both sides. Golden State maintains financial flexibility while Kuminga secures the player option he desires. With this contract likely to be settled soon, the focus will shift back to building a competitive roster around their established core.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Predicted to Resolve Jonathan Kuminga Saga Before Pivotal February DeadlineAs Griffin Goodwyn reported in the original article, neither side has been willing to budge for weeks, but the predicted deal could finally break the deadlock and set the stage for the next chapter of Warriors basketball.
