The fourth day of Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency will end without resolution, but there’s been increasing movement and conversation regarding one of the most intriguing names remaining on the market.
The Golden State Warriors, according to league sources, have been searching for a promising young player plus a first-round pick in return for Kuminga, should they ultimately choose to part with him in a sign-and-trade scenario. They extended the $7.9 million qualifying offer to the 22-year-old wing and maintain the ability to match any contract he signs.
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That gives them a level of leverage in a market devoid of significant cap space. They’ve drawn inbound calls in recent days, most notably from the Sacramento Kings, who floated an offer of Devin Carter, Dario Šarić and two second-round picks, league sources said. The Warriors have so far balked at what they felt was a buy-low attempt, league sources said.
The Washington Wizards entered the mix in the last 24 hours, and the idea of Kuminga as a possible fit in Washington’s rebuild has gained real momentum, according to league sources. The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets have also registered varying levels of interest, league sources said.
This is a difficult market for restricted free agents. Kuminga isn’t alone. The Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes and Cam Thomas situations also remain without resolution as free agency nears its fifth day.
Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, are in search of a situation where Kuminga will be a featured part of the core with the belief of the franchise and coaching staff behind him. That isn’t something Kuminga has consistently felt in his four years with the Warriors and — holding a degree of agency for the first time in his professional career — he’s in patient pursuit of a situation that matches his ambitions.
That could mean the process drags deeper into July. There’s a tentative plan for face-to-face meetings between Kuminga and prospective suitors in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League, should the process extend that far.
An eventual compromise and return to the Warriors also remains very much on the table, league sources said, considering the market dynamics at play. The two sides have talked about a sit-down in Las Vegas between Kuminga, Turner, general manager Mike Dunleavy and head coach Steve Kerr to discuss a possible path forward, if his situation remains unresolved in a week.
(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
