Jonathan Kuminga is making it clear: control over his NBA future matters more than immediate money. The 21-year-old forward continues to reject a two-year, $45 million offer from the Golden State Warriors, citing concerns over the team option in the deal and the request to waive his no-trade clause, sources tell ESPN.
While the Warriors’ proposal offers a higher starting salary than others on the table, Kuminga’s camp is more focused on long-term security and a clearly defined role—something he believes Golden State has failed to provide since drafting him in 2021.
His agent, Aaron Turner, pitched alternative frameworks, including a three-year, $82 million deal that would allow the Warriors to stay under the league’s second apron. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have emerged as strong suitors via sign-and-trade, with Phoenix reportedly offering a four-year deal nearing $90 million.
Still, the Warriors have balked at trade packages and are now signaling they may halt negotiations altogether. Kuminga is even considering taking the $7.9 million qualifying offer to reach unrestricted free agency in 2025.
At the heart of the standoff is a tug-of-war over control—one that could define Kuminga’s trajectory for years to come.
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