Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has made it clear he wants a player option included in his next contract.
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, Kuminga and his agent Aaron Turner told the team this week that he would sign an extension if the third-year team option in the current offer is flipped into a player option. The Warriors, however, have resisted including that condition in any proposal.
The standoff comes after Golden State presented a three-year, $75.2 million deal with a team option in the final season. The first two years would guarantee $48.3 million, mirroring the annual value of Josh Giddey’s new deal with the Chicago Bulls.
League executives view the structure as a way to keep flexibility, positioning Kuminga as both a tradeable contract and a controllable asset rather than a locked-in core piece. That approach has been a sticking point in negotiations.
Kuminga’s representatives have countered with proposals that would give him greater control over his future. One concept was a one-year bridge contract raising his 2024–25 salary above the $7.9 million qualifying offer while keeping him on track for unrestricted free agency next summer. Warriors owner Joe Lacob rejected that idea, citing the risk of losing him for nothing in 2025.
The 22-year-old is coming off a breakout year, averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His development provided Golden State with stability during stretches without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Despite public praise from Lacob and head coach Steve Kerr, the front office has quietly explored Kuminga’s trade value. The Sacramento Kings have shown interest in potential sign-and-trade scenarios, but no talks have advanced.
With the October 1 qualifying offer deadline approaching, the situation carries major stakes. If Kuminga accepts the $7.9 million offer, he would gain a no-trade clause this season and unrestricted free agency in 2026, but he would forfeit significant guaranteed earnings.
