Kuminga Gamble Could Upend Warriors’ Future
Golden State Warriors’ restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is leaning toward accepting the “most attractive” deal on the table: the $7.9 million qualifying offer, a decision that would give him full control of his future while creating a difficult scenario for Golden State, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson reported, citing league sources.
Kuminga, 23, has resisted the Warriors’ current proposal — a two-year, $45 million contract with a team option on the second season. That structure would remove the leverage of a player option and include a waiver of the inherent no-trade clause that comes with a two-year deal.
By turning toward the one-year qualifying offer, Kuminga would secure a path to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026. The move, however, comes with risk: limited financial security if his playing role diminishes or if he suffers an injury.
Warriors’ Trade Flexibility at Stake
Getty Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors huddle during a game.
If Kuminga signs the qualifying offer before the Oct. 1 deadline, the Warriors would lose a valuable trade chip. His $7.9 million salary and the no-trade protections tied to the qualifying offer would significantly limit Golden State’s ability to recoup meaningful assets in a potential trade.
By contrast, the Warriors’ two-year proposal would create a $22.5 million salary slot that could be used in a larger deal to reinforce their aging core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. All three stars are in their mid-to-late 30s, and the franchise has little margin for error as it tries to remain in contention.
Outside Offers and Interest
Kuminga’s camp is emboldened by the strong interest they generated across the league. The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings both presented packages built around starting opportunities and long-term security.
According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, Phoenix offered Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, all available second-round picks, and a four-year, $90 million framework. Sacramento’s initial offer included rookie Devin Carter, veteran forward Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, later raising its offer to guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick tied to a three-year, $63 million deal.
Both scenarios would have given Kuminga the starting power forward role that he has sought but has struggled to secure in Golden State.
Tension Over Role
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga chats with Steve Kerr.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr has acknowledged Kuminga’s talent but has been blunt about the difficulty of giving him a bigger role alongside established stars.
“I’ve been asked to win,” Kerr told “The TK Show” in May. “And right now, he’s not a guy who I can say, I’m going to play 38 minutes with the roster we have — Steph, Jimmy and Draymond — and put the puzzle together that way and expect to win.”
Former coach-turned-analyst Stan Van Gundy added that Kuminga’s pursuit of a starting role may not align with his current development.
“He’s only 22, without a lot of experience, so could all this improve? Absolutely,” Van Gundy told The San Francisco Chronicle. “If you’re going to have him out there, you have to play through him. To me, he’s either a primary scorer on a bad team or a bench scorer on a good team.”
A Risky Gamble
Bleacher Report salary cap analyst Eric Pincus has called Kuminga the “trickiest free agent” of the summer. Pincus noted that while the qualifying offer gives Kuminga freedom, it also forces him to leave money on the table.
“While the 22-year-old can take his $8 million qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, he’d lose about $14 million this season,” Pincus wrote. “Prediction: The Warriors don’t budge, and Kuminga ends up taking the offer he doesn’t like, which is probably the best decision he can make under the circumstances.”
For now, Johnson’s report underscores the uncertainty: Kuminga appears prepared to gamble on himself.
By leaning toward the qualifying offer, Kuminga is essentially betting on himself—risking immediate earnings to gain full control over his future. That decision has the potential to upend the Warriors’ roster and salary plans, forcing Golden State into a high-stakes summer where the next move may hinge on the young forward’s gamble.
Red Sox rumors: Insider says Boston, Alex Bregman remain perfect fit
After years of underachievement, the Boston Red Sox are finally back in the playoff hunt. Currently possessing the second AL Wild Card spot, if the season ended today, the Red Sox would play their hated rivals from the Bronx, the New York Yankees. Although Boston has lost their last two games, a three-game winning streak preceded it. Third baseman Alex Bregman’s first season with the Sox has been a strong one thus far. The former Houston Astro could opt out of his current contract this winter. MLB Network spoke with insider Jon Heyman on Bregman’s best potential fit in free agency, and shared Heyman’s take on X, formerly Twitter.
“What could Alex Bregman’s potential free agency look like?” posted the league network on Saturday. “‘I think he fits Boston perfectly… it does feel like Boston is the best fit.’- @JonHeyman.”
It’s easy to see why Heyman said the Red Sox would be Bregman’s best fit. The 31-year-old is nearing the tail end of his physical prime. However, his skillset is one that should age well, particularly at Fenway Park. After the trade of former franchise star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in June, Bregman has once again become a clubhouse leader, like he was in Houston. Can Scott Boras, the third baseman’s agent, work out a deal with the Boston front office to avoid an opt out this winter? Or will Bregman once again explore free agency?
Can Red Sox hammer out new deal with Alex Bregman, Scott Boras?
Boras is notorious for letting his clients explore free agency rather than sign an extension. The majority of the time, that is the tactic that baseball’s super-agent likes to take. Even though Bregman will turn 32 in March, there are still plenty of teams that would pursue him on the open market. The Yankees would certainly be one, as the trade acquisition of Ryan McMahon before the deadline hasn’t worked out as well as New York would have liked.
Whether it’s the Red Sox, Yankees or another team, the likelihood of Bregman not going to a contender is slim. Based on his age, it feels like a resigning, especially if both sides can strike an agreement before the opt out. For now though, the focus is on Bregman helping lead Boston back to the postseason. Will the Red Sox finish the deal and clinch October baseball in the coming weeks? If so, don’t be surprised to see the third baseman remain at Fenway Park past this season.
