Los Angeles Lakers fans can’t believe the Golden State Warriors gave Jonathan Kuminga a two-year $48.5 million contract to finally sort out his restricted free agency. The 22-year-old’s qualifying offer expired on Oct. 1, so the two sides where motivated to get a deal done. Kuminga will make $22.5 million this season, and the Warriors have a $26 million team option for the 2026-27 season. This deal solves nothing for Golden State.
They will look to trade Kuminga before the deadline, but they have struggled to find a workable deal in the past. Golden State is all-in on winning right now. They have an aging roster led by Stephen Curry, and were forced to keep Kuminga to maintain flexibility in adding to their roster.
The Warriors only have the 6’8 forward for this season. After that, Kuminga will want to hit free agency or be dealt elsewhere. Golden State just kicked the can down the road, but are paying an extra $15 million this season to have a chance to trade him for a difference maker. The rival Lakers are loving every second of this.
Lakers fans can’t help but laugh as Jonathan Kuminga remains with the Warriors
Kuminga made it clear that he wants out. He wanted to go to Sacramento or Phoenix after they offered him a starting role and significantly more playing time. Kuminga believes he can blossom into an All-Star, but needs more opportunity. Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr has been reluctant to play him, and Kuminga is no longer part of Golden State's long-term plans. Do not expect this to get better.
The 6’8 forward wants to be traded, so the Warriors now have an unhappy player on their roster who isn’t a strong fit next to Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Kuminga’s minutes will be limited, which will only add to the tension. This could ruin the entire season in the Bay Area, and the Lakers will be ready to take advantage.
Luka Doncic is in the best shape of his life and wants to lead the Lakers to a championship. The Western Conference is loaded, but the Warriors see themselves in the same tier. LA enters training camp excited and ready to compete. Golden State is already behind schedule and now has a potentially unhappy young forward joining their mix.
LeBron James enters year 23 in the NBA and is not slowing down. He was second-team All-NBA last season and figures to be in the mix again playing off Luka. James will take more catch-and-shoots this year, and everyone knows he’ll be ready to knock them down.
The pressure is on the Golden State Warriors to trade Jonathan Kuminga before the deadline. If they can’t, this contact will turn into an absolute disaster. The Dubs' aging roster may never reach serious contender status, and things get more complicated if they are struggling in February.
The Los Angeles Lakers have the talent to be a serious contender, but they need Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves to dominate big games. Fans are happy they don't root for the Warriors. Golden State paid a player who didn't want to stay. This could quickly turn into an absolute nightmare for the Warriors. Lakers fans hope their franchise is competing for a championship and doesn't want Golden State standing in the way. This deal may just prevent that and may make JK impossible to trade.
Lakers fans can't believe the Warriors paid to make him a deadline trade piece. The laughs will continue, so stay tuned.