NBA insider reports Warriors reluctant to offer Jonathan Kuminga $224,000,000 max extension
Jonathan Kuminga reportedly wants a five-year maximum extension worth $224 million. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors' front office is unwilling to meet these demands. Kuminga becomes a restricted free agent after this season.
Last season, the combo forward played 74 of 82 games, missing time due to knee tendonitis, which is worth noting. Of those 74 games, Kuminga started 46, averaging a career-high 26.3 minutes per game.
However, given the Warriors' current roster, he seems poised to come off the bench behind Draymond Green at the four or Trayce Jackson-Davis at the five in a small-ball lineup.
While Kuminga is a breakout performer, he is still a work in progress. Given his current development, it's a stretch for Golden State to justify a max extension for the Congolese native.
As Anthony Slater wrote:
“The Warriors aren’t currently prepared to give Kuminga a max extension ... or anything that stretches too close to that $44.8 million annual salary, league sources said.”
Looking at Jonathan Kuminga's stats in recent years, amid his uncertain future with Golden State
Since Jonathan Kuminga becomes a restricted free agent next summer, Golden State holds negotiating leverage in their discussions.
Considering that the 21-year-old wants to remain with the Warriors, he may accept a smaller contract from the franchise.
Since drafting him seventh overall in 2021, Golden State has steadily increased Kuminga's role. His mpg has improved yearly, jumping from 16.9 mpg his rookie season to 26.3 mpg last season.
Two years ago, during his second NBA season, Kuminga averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
Last fall, he averaged career-highs while posting 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
With Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins entering this year without signed extensions, their on-court efforts will weigh heavily into their upcoming negotiation talks.