Jonathan Kuminga rejects the Warriors' offer and explores other options

Jonathan Kuminga has turned down an offer from the Golden State Warriors for two years and 45 million dollars, which included a team option for the second year, as reported by Sam Amick (The Athletic), confirming previous reports by ESPN. Amick also notes that the restricted free agent forward has shown a greater willingness to accept his qualifying offer of one year and 8 million.

Although from an economic standpoint it wouldn't make much sense for Kuminga to accept the qualifying offer, the Warriors believe that this stance may be more of a negotiating strategy than a real intention, as indicated by Amick. The franchise's "Plan A" is to renew him in the short term and explore trades before the February trade deadline, when it would be easier to move his contract.

Interest from the Suns and Kings

The Phoenix Suns would be willing to offer Kuminga 90 million over four years, but sources cited by Amick state that sign-and-trade discussions between Phoenix and Golden State have not progressed significantly. The Warriors are not interested in the package offered by the Suns, which would include Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and several second-round picks, according to Marc J. Spears (ESPN).

On the other hand, the Sacramento Kings have presented two proposals. One would include Dario Šarić, Jevon Carter, and draft capital (several second-rounders or a protected first-rounder). The other option contemplates a contract of three years and 63 million for Kuminga, in exchange for Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-rounder, which would become the least favorable between the Kings and the Spurs' 2031 pick if not transferred in 2030.

However, the Warriors demand that the first-round pick have no protection, which has been a point of contention in negotiations, according to Amick. Additionally, other reports —such as that of Matt George (Locked on Kings)— suggest that the Warriors show little interest in Monk and that acquiring him without shedding more salary would greatly complicate their flexibility, leaving them constrained by the luxury tax apron, unless they make moves to cut costs.

Other key points about Kuminga's situation

• Sacramento values Kuminga as a power forward, allowing Keegan Murray to shift to his preferred small forward position, according to Amick. Additionally, the offered three-year, 63 million contract is designed to keep the Kings below the luxury tax this season.

• Several potential Warriors signings —such as Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton— remain on hold while Kuminga's situation unfolds, and Amick adds that Gary Payton II could also return to the team if the situation is resolved.

• Despite speculation about a possible trade of DeMar DeRozan if Kuminga lands in Sacramento, Matt George states that the management has no intention of moving the veteran: "Every time I have asked about the possibility of the Kings trading DeRozan, I have always received a firm 'no.' But if Kuminga were to arrive —which I still believe is unlikely—, they would ask DeRozan to come off the bench."

• According to Grant Afseth (FastbreakJournal.com), an alternative contract framework between Kuminga and the Warriors has been proposed: two years and 48 million, with a player option. It's unclear if this proposal comes from Kuminga's camp or if it would insist on retaining an implicit veto clause in case of trade.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jonathan Kuminga rechaza la oferta de los Warriors y explora otras opciones