Live on August 16th: During this year’s off-season, Kuminga and the Warriors have not been able to reach a consensus on their contract renewal. According to previous reports, the two sides have not been in communication for a long time.
Today, the ESPN Warriors team participated in ESPN’s “NBA Today” program to discuss the progress of negotiations between them.
Currently, both sides have reopened dialogue. There is indeed communication, but as you know, just having dialogue doesn’t necessarily mean progress in negotiations.
Over the past week, starting from the last weekend, both sides have once again communicated about contract proposals and their views on the entire negotiation process. However, Kuminga and his camp are seeking a contract that is more beneficial to the player. He hopes that the team can send a signal through the contract that he is a cornerstone of the team, and not just a trade chip. I have heard from Kuminga’s side that he doesn’t want to be used as a pawn by the team.
“He has consistently refused to sign the two-year, $45 million contract with a team option, because under this contract, he would be clearly just a tool or trade chip for the team during the mid-season. This is not something he is willing to accept. If there was a three-year contract or one with a player option, which could make him feel more sincere from the team, he might be interested. But so far, the Warriors have been unwilling to offer Kuminga such a contract.”
Because of this, Kuminga has told people around him that he currently prefers and tends to accept the qualifying offer rather than the two-year, $45 million contract. This is dangerous for the Warriors.
The Warriors may choose to gamble that Kuminga is just bluffing. But currently, it seems that things are moving in the direction of Kuminga accepting the qualifying offer.