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“A Battle of Control”: Shams Charania Opens Up on Jonathan Kuminga’s Options Amid Free Agency Standoff With Warriors

Somin Bhattacharjee
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Dec 28, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Chase Center.

Jonathan Kuminga’s future, for now, is up in the air. He doesn’t want to play for the Golden State Warriors, who are unfortunately unwilling to let him walk away easily. Shams Charania, the NBA community’s go-to news bringer, believes that there’s only two ways out for Kuminga from this point on.

Earlier this week, Kuminga, who got drafted seventh overall in the 2021 Draft, rejected a two-year $45 million offer put on the table by Golden State. There was a team option for the second season, which could very well have put him off. Or quite simply, he just wants more money because clearly, he values himself more than the Warriors or others in the league do.

That said, there is interest from other franchises. And that’s one of the directions Kuminga can take, according to Charania. The other? Just sign the qualifying offer.

Kuminga wants to “control his own destiny,” Charania said on NBA on ESPN. “[He’s] moving forward with two routes here. One being the qualifying offer that we see right there. He’s saying he could bet on himself all day, that has an October 1 deadline. One year, $7.9 million.”

The 22-year-old wants to retain power over his future. “That would allow him to have a no-trade clause next season. It would also give him access to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026.” If this suggestion doesn’t interest Kuminga much, he can choose to go for a sign-and-trade.

“The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have both had interest in him. They’ve given him offers up to four-years $90 million, have given him a player option as well, also promised him starting role, guaranteed minutes and also control over his future with the player option.” 

Alas, if only it were that simple. Charania revealed that the Warriors have “shunned” all sign-and-trade offers to date, and that the two parties are engaged in a “stalemate” of sorts. Kuminga, however, appears to be more stubborn here, primarily because of his self-belief.

Kuminga believes he was not given the right opportunities at Golden State, and now wants out. He also wants to be given the fair amount he feels he deserves.

Post Edited By:Smrutisnat Jena

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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