Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation with the Golden State Warriors is certainly drawing attention. If the report is accurate that Kuminga is seeking a five-year, $224 million extension, it’s a hefty ask for a player who, while showing promise, has not yet solidified himself as a star in the Warriors’ system. This would make him one of the highest-paid players in the league, a figure typically reserved for elite talent with proven track records.
Bobby Marks’ suggestion of a five-year, $155 million deal seems more in line with Kuminga’s current standing. It reflects the Warriors’ need to balance keeping young talent like Kuminga while managing their payroll, especially considering they already have high contracts on the books (e.g., Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green). The luxury tax is a real concern for Golden State, so offering a more conservative deal might make more financial sense for them while still showing a commitment to Kuminga’s potential.
Ultimately, how both sides approach the negotiations will reveal what Kuminga’s future with the Warriors might look like and how much the team values his long-term upside.
“Five years and $155 million. “The extension begins at $31 million and is flat over each season,” Marks wrote on October 17. “Because of the expiring contracts of De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney, an extension for Kuminga has Golden State below the luxury tax next season.”
Regarding why an extension could occur, Marks stated that Kuminga may decide there is too much danger in passing up guaranteed money.
“If Kuminga evaluates the market and decides there is too much risk to pass up guaranteed money,” Marks wrote in an email. “The only team expected to have more than $30 million in cap space next offseason is Brooklyn. Kuminga would also be a restricted free agent, and Golden State has the right to match an offer sheet.
Why the Warriors Might Be Hesitant in Giving Kuminga an Extension
The Golden State Warriors could make a move soon. After expressing interest in Lauri Markkanen and others during the offseason, the Warriors now have the assets to complete a deal this season.
However, signing Kuminga to an extension may limit the Warriors’ ability to facilitate a deal involving him. From a salary standpoint, the Warriors may have difficulty trading a contract for a large sum of money.
“Another reason Golden State may be cautious about extending Kuminga is because it would lose a useful trade chip. Kuminga does not have a six-month limitation and can still be traded before the February 6 deadline.
“However, Kuminga’s potential salary in a trade becomes unbalanced due to the poison pill restriction,” Marks pointed out. “For example, if Kuminga signed a five-year, $175 million extension, $7.6 million (the last year of his rookie scale contract) would be used as outgoing salary and $30 million (the average of his 2024-25 salary and extension) would count as incoming salary for the team he was traded to.”
Is Kuminga Worth $224 Million?
Kuminga’s skill has undoubtedly improved over the last several years, but the sample size may become a factor in how the Golden State Warriors perceive him.
In 2023-24, he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while playing 26.4 minutes per night in 74 games.
As Marks mentioned, the stats are close to those of other rookies who obtained maximum extensions, although the others did so for more than one season.
Kuminga is a terrific player, and while he established his worth to the Warriors last season, $224 million is a lot of money to pay someone who isn’t even a full-time starter.
If the Warriors had another season to see if he improved, the decision would be simpler. However, this is not the case, and the front office now has a difficult option.
