One would have to believe that if a player is still a restricted free agent one month before the preseason games start, the teams are not serious about retaining their services over the long term. Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga must know that.
He could follow Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets and sign the one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, which comes with a no-trade clause. He could then seek a long-term contract on the open market next season.
There was an offer on the table when the two sides last spoke. It was summarily rejected by Kuminga and his representatives. It has been reported the deal was worth $45 million over two seasons, but Kuminga wanted a player option.
If Kuminga signs the qualifying offer, the Warriors could still look to move Kuminga to another team, but he would have to approve the trade. The 22-year old forward could be in line for a big payday if he can get an extension signed with a new team of his choosing before the trade deadline.
Kuminga knows his worth. That is why he might select the qualifying offer and peddle his talents to the highest bidder next season. He can wait one year and make $8 million while he competes on a team that is a perennial contender for a trip to the NBA Finals every season.
Either the Warriors pay him after the season or he goes to a team that is willing to give him the bank and long-term security he is looking for. He just might win a world championship in the interim.
The fact Kuminga is still without a contract in September is really unbelievable. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points last season and added 4.6 rebounds. This was all accomplished while shooting 45.4 percent from the field.
Kuminga spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area's Dalton Johnson about his honest thoughts regarding his situation with the Warriors. Johnson then put it in his own words.
"Through four years, Kuminga and the Warriors have yet to find common ground on who he presently is as a player, who he can be with more opportunities and who he will be in the future," Johnson said. "The way this offseason has played out only has furthered Kuminga's desire to control his own destiny and how his future plays out. Kuminga wants to make sure that no matter who his next employer is, he's comfortable and confident he is being set up for success from the start.
"Kuminga doesn't want to be used as a 'pawn' for a team where he has seen himself as the scapegoat, and he still doesn't fully know what his role will be going into his fifth NBA season with the likelihood that he still isn't a starter and might not close games."