Although there have been a few conversations between the two sides, the Warriors and restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga ahead of the official start of free agency on Monday evening, there’s no real traction toward an agreement, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link) have published a similar report, writing that Kuminga’s free agency may be a “slow-moving process,” with no immediate resolution expected in the coming hours.
Although the Warriors will have the right of first refusal on Kuminga, giving them the ability to match any offer sheet he signs with another team, the 22-year-old will explore his options in free agency, with the Heat and Bulls still looking like the most likely suitors, league sources tell Slater.
Fischer and Stein also mention Miami and Chicago while also identifying the Kings and Pelicans as two possible teams to watch for Kuminga in sign-and-trade scenarios. While the Warriors are willing to help facilitate a sign-and-trade deal that sends Kuminga elsewhere, that scenario would have to “outweigh the benefits” of simply re-signing Kuminga themselves in order for them to move forward with it, per Fischer and Stein.
Here’s more out of Golden State:
- Veteran Celtics center Al Horford is expected to be a top target for the Warriors, league sources tell Fischer and Stein. Slater has heard similar rumblings, writing that “many in the league continue to link” Horford to Golden State. The team’s spending flexibility will hinge in large part on how the Kuminga situation resolves, but the Warriors should have some form of mid-level exception available.
- Generally speaking, a stretch center is a top priority for the Warriors, team sources tell Slater. The club will be “on the recruiting trail” when free agency opens on Monday, Slater adds.
Horford would be amazing but wow, the guy is 40 years old.
I suppose with Quentin Post playing 20 minutes and hopefully Jackson Davis improving and playing 15 minutes occasionally, Big Al wouldn’t be needed for more than 15 to 20 minutes during the regular season.
It would be the playoffs where Al would show his value as he’s done in the past. I don’t know let’s see what happens here.
Isn’t there a bruising dominant power forward out there, anywhere, that the Warriors can sign? Wishful thinking I guess especially when two guys make $120 million combined next season.
He could play lower min, but probably close most tight games. It would also be a huge benefit to have such a top stretch 5 to mentor Post. If he will take the TPMLE I would do it in a second. Up his min to 20-27 in the post season.
Chap, he’s not coming to GSW to back up Quentin Post when he can start for the Celtics this season.
I dont think he wants to start if it means playing starter min. He is at that point in his career where being the most impactful to winning trumps things like starting that can be somewhat symbolic.
What are the chances of the Warriors picking up Eubanks or Landale as a backup big? Would Horsford or Vucevic be a better fit?
Landale might not be the best center possible. But, he might not be a bad fit. He is a solid backup. They could acquire him using their trade exception. His salary, I believe, is non-guaranteed for next season. They might be able combine him with Heild at the trade deadline.
Depending on how things go with Kuminga, they might have some trade chips.
Warriors are done. And rebuild will be brutal as you are getting no return on your old guys. They will be warriors of 20 years yet again.
And Horford told you he’d be unwilling to come off the bench?
Chris Boucher would be an ideal fit Gary. I just read something that’s interesting from him on ESPN…
“Boucher is too slight to take on heavy minutes at center, but he brings a diverse and valuable skill set to the frontcourt: He can make 3s, rise for dunks and swat opponents’ shots on the other end. He’s also a prolific offensive rebounder, with 3.5 career offensive boards per 36 minutes, a top-25 mark among active players (minimum 5,000 minutes).”
He’s too rich for the Warriors blood.
He’s actually a pretty good player so he’s out of our range I believe.
He’s just now coming into his own the last 2-3 years so he probably wants to get paid and won’t take a discount to play for the Warriors.., who have cut him already in his career. I don’t think he’ll be back.
Yeah, they might need to wait a week until the dust clears for Free Agency before they make a move.
It will be curios though where most teams have an exception but thats about it, so its kinda a musical chairs FA where it will be interesting to see who gets left in the cold like Gary Trent last year
raz , IMO, Boucher fills only 1 of 2 of the Warriors’ requirements for a C. Yes, he can shoot the 3.
But he’s not big/bulky enough to defend the heavy bigs that wear Draymond down. This second requirement is probably more important than the first.
Good pick up, experience is the key
Horford would bring championship experience to Warriors
And Boucher started with the Warriors. I’d be surprised if he returns. Has me thinking though. In the course of NBA history, it HAS to have happened – beyond LeBron James with the Cavs. Would someone be so kind as to look up and report back a few instances – minus James, please – where a player returned to the team that draft him AFTER said player was a member of at least one different team in between the stints? Much appreciated.
Happens all the time. The guys move around a lot.
Google is your friend Davey J
Warriors have absolutely no money. Vet minimum only. He isn’t coming
What pick up jackass. They don’t have him. Damn man
A guy like Duop Reath from Portland might be a better option than either Horford/Lopez or 1 of those older guys. Reath doesn’t have the court IQ of those guys but he runs extremely well, is active/physical & has been pretty productive when given pt… link to m.youtube.com
Good call. And thanks for the link. Looks like his IQ is fine to me because he finds the open guy, takes the open shot, and passes well with good court vision.
Wish the Warriors could find a guy like that. I’m sure Portland wouldn’t let him go. Diamond in the rough.
Portland still has 1 too many centres, so there might be a chance they’d move him
I love that there’s quite a few Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders on this website making comments. The game is truly global.
Can’t wait to hoop it up at Park Jarry in Montreal this summer. Good times !!
Park Jarry is where the Expos used to play. Former Giants announcer, and Expo, said the mosquitoes were nasty. Get your bug repellent.
There’s no bugs over at the basketball courts. At least we don’t feel them while running around. Plus, I don’t lose so I’m not sitting.
How’s the guys defense? It seems like that is a big concern for Dunleavy in any acquisition…
You might be on to something and not realize it. I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the two Aussie’s they already acquired. If Santa Cruz can work their magic, like they did with Post, they might form a nice bench for the Dubs in a playoff run.
They also have a 3rd Aussie on their Summer League team. But, I don’t know how far a 178lbs Power Forward will go in the NBA…
The Kangaroo Mafia?
Average age of GSW’s starting 5 is oldest the NBA.
Horford is the only C in NBA that can make it older. He’s 39 years old.
No NBA team has ever started 4 players over 35 years old.
I highly doubt he starts. You have to balance his min in a way where starting doesnt work. Its like when guys return on min limits and you dont want to start them because then they sit forever and get cold. You want them coming off the bench later in the first and then having relatively balanced breaks through the rest of the game with the option to close. Its sort of like the Iguadala min in his last couple seasons.
Horford started in 42 of the 60 games he dressed, for 28 mpg. He’s incredibly well conditioned. Shouldn’t be any need to restrict his minutes.
He’s the perfect complement to non-shooting Draymond and Jimmy
I mean if he wants to and can, but some of that was out of necessity because of KP being out. I think you tell him that he can start if he wants, but if he wants you can keep him fresh and healthy while saving him for the 16 games that matter. Im sure after his HOF career he would love another ring. It would also make starting Kuminga easier if him and Stephs height are the only defensive weak spots.
+1
Horford isn’t leaving Boston.
I would say he is. You don’t want to play your last year or two in a punt year with the Celtics.
He’s got young kids and a family that’s all living in the area. He’s gonna get a 2 year deal from Boston. Kornet is gone to SA, they’re going to sign AL back.
Brook Lopez-Kuminga-Green-Butler-Curry = title
Talk about the perfect match!
I like Luke Kornet on GSW too
You heard it from me first. Kuminga is traded to the Jazz for Kessler in a package deal.
I agree that Kessler will leave. The Nurkic trade wont make sense otherwise.
But I am not Sure if it will GS
Ive heard people talking about Nurk getting waived or bought out. The trade was about quitting the manipulation of vets playing time to tank by dumping all the vets. The kids will play, and learn, and suck…
Utah doesn’t have a high scoring player like Kumings. So he fits their team well. He can get a lot of playing time there. Kessler is on his last year so do they want to give him a big raise already having LM with a max? Of course not. Nurk can fill in and Kuminga can be their future star. GSW get their rebounder and screener. Clarkson who they tried to trade is now being bought out.
Kuminga and Ace Bailey are very similar at this stage. Not sure you’d want them both.
They have never made serious effort for Kuminga. Warriors just like bringing him up. They could have had they been willing to give podziemski in Lauri trade. Now with Ace bailey leaves them 6 players deep at small and power forward. And they will still shed John collins to make even more playing time. No team wants to pay kuminga a big contract. You all have overvalued him every year. Its a problem now.
Yep
I would love Jonathan Kuminga for Walker Kessler, but why would the jazz do that?
It’s hard for me to believe Danny Ainge ever wants to win and rather just wants to accumulate assets.
Kuminga wants to be paid and Kessler doesn’t make that much. Maybe the Warriors could get another guy thrown in too?
Hell know. Kuminga Straight up isn’t enough letalone another player thrown in. Warrior fans rate Kuminga way too high. 2 firsts is Ainges price, he hasn’t budged from that.
no way kessler is worth 2 1st round picks. That was his price last year but now Kessler is on his last year contract. About to be a free agent so his price went down a lot. You rate Kessler too high to think somebody is going to give a boat load for a guy who is not a all star player.
Not a free agent atm and I’ve lost count at how many times Ainge has said we’re happy to keep him. Did Ainge or you say the price has gone down? Won’t be traded this season unless Jazz get an offer they can’t refuse. That’s not Kuminga. Sign and trade next season if traded.
How is he not a free agent next year? He played out his 3 years of team control.
He is. Restricted free agent. So going nowhere unless they take less. So everyone knows. A player is not an unrestricted free agent until 7 years. Unless they get bought out or rookie extension is not offered
He is worth far less though once you have to pay him fully.
That is why LM is no longer a big trade asset.
Well said. Kuminga is overvalued. He is Rui Hachimura except Rui has better numbers. Shoots better. For some reason warriors think they have something they don’t
Good hell. Another one. A restricted free agent. He has absolutely no say where he goes. Again guys a 1st round pick is not a full unrestricted free agent until after 7 years. Why is this so hard???
Have you spoken to Ainge about how much he values Kuminga?
Ainge is a poker player that never shows his hand. Utah traded away 2 of their better offensive players. So they will need to bring in scoring. he has a real bad team and the fans are not going to like having nothing exciting to cheer about.
He doesn’t. Already turned down multiple offers. Warriors just keep bringing up jazz name. Kuminga has been in trade rumors since he was rookie. Warriors not getting much for him. And jazz have 6 players now they want at that position getting playing time. Start rumors with another team. Jazz isn’t happening
Well said. No is gonna pay Kuminga
Kessler is a free agent next year and Ainge nees to roll the dice on him. I don’t see why a player would resign with Utah knowing they will be ruilding for another 2 to 3 years playing in god awful Utah.
He is a restricted free agent. He will have no say. Everyone keeps missing that. They are clearing contracts as we speak. He will get paid but next year
Utah will just be a real bad team for a long time unless Ainge decides to make trades because no free agents wants to go to Utah unless they are overpaid by a large amount.
They have never made serious effort for Kuminga. Warriors just like bringing him with Jazz name. They could have traded had they been willing to give podziemski in Lauri trade. Now with Ace bailey that leaves them 6 players deep at small and power forward. And they will still shed John collins to make even more playing time. No team wants to pay kuminga a big contract. You all have overvalued him every year. Its a problem now. You will not be getting what you think on kuminga. In fact may cost you a draft pick to get team to take. You have had years to deal with it. Haven’t
Kuminga S&T for John Collins should match in salaries, and John Collins can help the Warriors: he’s a competent PF who can shoot the three, run the floor, dunk a lot and fit on offense quite well with the warriors. I think he’s not a great defender, but he can rebound and get some blocks due to his athleticism.
A Kuminga trade should demand much more though, but I don’t see young players from Utah that might appeal GSW, and that Ainge would be willing to trade. Besides, the Warriors will have to prepare for a long battle with Danny to get some kind of draft compensation
The actual trade should be Collins and two unprotected or top-5 protected firsts at least, but with Utah, you ain’t getting even close to that.
Collins fit with GSW: 7/10
Kuminga’s fit with Utah: 7/10
Trade chance: 0%
can’t happen since Kuminga is only $12 million trade amount and Collins is over twice that amount
Jesus. Kuminga most overrated player in league. You have been trying to trade him for 3 years. Fact. He is less than Rui. Check numbers. Just fact. Stop!! He is nada. You are stuck. Jazz will take Rui first. Check numbers
There is no combo where Curry, Dray, Butler win a title. One of them is going to be injured and Butler disappears and is unwilling to take shots.
That would make sense after Draymond and Jimmy quit.
Ainge flat out told the world he didn’t want kuminga last time JK was linked to jazz. Kuminga isn’t enough to get kessler who still has one year team option on his deal @ $4.8.
Good luck making that work.
Next year Kessler is a free agent and now Ainge is risk losing him for nothing on a team going nowhere for a few years.
Nah, today’s NBA with this CBA Ainge is 100% no risk of losing Kessler for nothing. Got another year on the cheap before signing his big boy contract. What teams can just outright sign guys these days? Sign and trade or package they can’t refuse. The timeline doesn’t even work nor is kuminga more valuable than Kessler.
kessler will never be an allstar but Kuminga has the potential to be an all star. kessler can’t shoot unless under the basket. terrible FT shooter. He needs to get better at passing. He is a rebounding defensive center that protects the rim. If he was a offensive player too then you would be talking highly valuable.
No one wants to pay kuminga. Hell you have had him in trade rumors since he was a rookie. There is a reason. He is way overvalued. Moat likely he has to accept Warriors qualifying offer and warriors with continue to pay heavy taxes
Keasler will get paid. Kuminga will not. Your values are incompetent
Jazz don’t want kuminga. And warriors are never getting Kessler. Warriors are like Lakers. They always offering Rui. Warriors always offering kuminga. The players are the same but Rui better stats. Folks get hing up on names
I mean he will be a RFA and they can match any offer.
He missed that part. Assumptions
Restricted free agent. Not unrestricted. Walker has no choices. They will pay him. Thats part of why they got rid of contracts today.
I mean a bunch of teams have cap space next summer, including like 100M for the Wizards, so they may have to match a real offer. They could also extend him this summer before he raises his value, but teams seem to want players less once they sign the real contract that was about what you would have had to pay had you traded for them. Its like they all think they could have gotten the guy for a way better deal.
Sure next year. Maybe. Warriors CANNOT afford him. They have been beyond capped out for years and in real trouble now with Butler there and they are not contending. Not sure why no one understands this. Unless your buying out green. Teams know this. They will either let him walk to a team who offers average contract. Or they will get pennies. Their chance was last year. They asked for too much. He is the most overvalued player in league except maybe Durrant
They were below the apron and used the full MLE last year. If they trade for Kessler they will pay Kessler. The one I wonder is if Steph isnt retiring after 2 seasons if he will take a bit less than his like 64M to have a much better team.
Before butler came. Stay with me now. Steph wont take less. Silly. They have the tax payer mid level exception. 5 million. No one coming buddy. They cannot pay anyone. They can trade big salaries is all. Fact check it. Your rebuild is going to be brutal too cause you are not getting assets for your older players and you are not competing. And you are never getting kessler. And please don’t say kuminga. You been trying to trade him for 3 years.
Warriors will have hard time even moving kuminga. They have overvalued him and no one wants to pay big money for him.
Overvalued and ruined his value are amazing
Bulls need to get Kuminga…he would fit perfectly with Giddy and Zel …Indiana 2.0 would be coming along nicely…
Okofo too!!
I would take Kelly Olynk (6’11”) over Al at this point.
Kumingo has no motor. He’ll never be an allstar.
How is it possible that Kuminga’s free agency is an unsure as his playing time
Because he has no value. He shoots 29% from 3. Rui hachimura is twice as good. Warrior fans have no clue on value. He will walk for nothing. Period.