The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga remain locked in a contract stalemate as new details of the forward’s counter-offer have emerged.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, Kuminga’s camp recently proposed a one-year “bridge” deal designed as a souped-up version of the qualifying offer. The structure would give him a financial bump over the $7.9 million qualifying offer while granting unrestricted free agency next summer.
The proposal would also remove the built-in no-trade clause that comes with the qualifying offer. That element would allow Golden State to treat Kuminga as an expiring contract at the trade deadline, offering more flexibility than the standard qualifying route.
However, sources told ESPN that Warriors owner Joe Lacob has resisted the concept. The franchise is concerned about the risk of losing Kuminga for nothing in 2026 if he enters the market without restrictions.
Golden State’s front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., has countered with a three-year, $75.2 million deal. The offer includes a team option in the third season, with $48.3 million guaranteed over the first two years. That salary level mirrors the annual average of Josh Giddey’s new contract with the Chicago Bulls.
The Warriors have also floated a three-year, $54 million fully guaranteed deal, but without a player option. For Kuminga and his agent Aaron Turner, the sticking point remains control. They have consistently pushed for a player option, even if it means lowering the annual salary closer to $20 million.
By contrast, the team continues to insist on a team option, a condition Kuminga’s camp views as a sign he could be treated more as a trade asset than a long-term cornerstone.
The 22-year-old is coming off his strongest season, averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His athleticism and defensive versatility gave Golden State crucial depth during stretches without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Despite public backing from ownership, league insiders believe the Warriors are open to sign-and-trade scenarios if no agreement is reached. The Sacramento Kings have shown exploratory interest, while Brooklyn has stepped away from discussions.
With October 1 looming as the deadline for the qualifying offer, the standoff is now entering a critical phase. If no compromise is reached, Kuminga could bet on himself with short-term flexibility, while the Warriors face the possibility of losing one of their top young pieces in the near future.
