Anyone following the Golden State Warriors offseason has no doubt been keeping up with the Jonathan Kuminga saga. For those that haven’t, former seventh overall pick Kuminga has been looking for a new contract that will pay him $30 million annually.
Of course, since he’s a restricted free agent, and no team has that kind of available cap space, it’s forced a bit of a stalemate. The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings are both interested in doing a sign-and-trade for Kuminga.
But thus far the Warriors have been resistant to doing so. There are two main reasons: one being that they would be hard capped if they were to do a sign-and-trade, dramatically limiting the Warriors ability to make moves.
The other is that they are hoping to get top dollar in a Kuminga trade. That would allow them to keep their options open for a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, according to Warriors insider Tim Kawakami.
The Warriors must get top dollar for Jonathan Kuminga
The Warriors, like Kuminga, are in a tough spot too. Coach Steve Kerr doesn’t appear high on Kuminga, and him returning to the Warriors next season may result in Kuminga’s stock falling further.
Of course, if it were high, then a team would have cleared enough cap space to make a play for him. That obviously didn’t happen, and we’re left with two teams who are trying to convince the Warriors to trade him.
Golden State is understandably asking for the most they can get for him, including demanding an unprotected future first from the Kings. That is undoubtedly with the goal of potentially flipping that pick in a potential Giannis trade.
Them demanding an unprotected first for a player they don’t even want seems bold. But if they traded for Malik Monk, they would have to include either Buddy Hield or Moses Moody to avoid becoming an apron team. Thus, they asked for an unprotected first for their troubles.
If they don’t receive that or a comparable young player, then they appear set to keep Kuminga. Even if that means that he takes his qualifying offer, that would put him on a one-year deal with essentially a no-trade clause.
All told, the Warriors are right to hold out and try to get more for Kuminga. If they can get a young asset or even a first-round pick, that could be crucial in a potential trade for Giannis, if and when he becomes available.
