Steve Kerr supports players maximizing contracts

Oct 2, 2025 8:16 PM

After a stretch of difficult negotiations, Jonathan Kuminga ultimately agreed to a new deal with the Golden State Warriors.

The contract was structured in a way that preserves flexibility – it contains a team option and allows Kuminga to remain trade-eligible as early as mid-January.

While the agreement ensures that the player will stay with Golden State for now, it does little to silence the speculation about his long-term future.

As Nick Friedell of The Athletic points out, the design of the deal keeps the door open for further discussion about his role and potential movement later in the season.

For head coach Steve Kerr, though, the focus isn’t on the noise surrounding contracts or trade rumors. He said he understands Kuminga’s approach and respects his decision to secure the best possible outcome as a restricted free agent.

“It’s just, this is the business we’re in, you know?” Kerr explained. “I never begrudge any player for trying to get the best contract that he can. In fact, having been a player, I always feel like it’s part of my job to help our guys do the best they can come contract-wise and help them become the best players that they can be. Put themselves in the best position to have a great career, to sign a good contract, take care of their families.”

Kerr also emphasized the reality of life in the NBA – careers are short, financial stability matters, and sometimes the process of reaching a deal can be complicated.

“These are short careers, and so I want all our players to do well, how it gets there sometimes can be messy. I’m not worried about any of that,” he added.

While Kuminga’s new contract ensures stability for Golden State in the short term, the structure of the deal suggests that his name will likely remain in circulation as the trade deadline approaches.

For Kerr, however, the priority remains helping Kuminga grow as a player and supporting him both on the court and in his career decisions.