Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler expressed concern about Jonathan Kuminga’s contract drama, which could heavily impact the team. With training camp around the corner, players feel the tension.
To push for an answer on Kuminga’s stalled negotiations, Butler approached Warriors management. His goal is to speed up the process, since Kuminga is a restricted free agent, according to NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Dalton Johnson.
The team needs clarity fast
According to the New York Post, Johnson revealed Tuesday on his “Dubs Talk” podcast: “I can confidently say Jimmy Butler also approached the team and asked: ‘What’s going on here? I just want to know the plan.’” He added that Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are also aware of the situation and have reached out to Kuminga.
ESPN reported that the biggest obstacle in Kuminga’s extension talks is the gap between the team’s offer and the 22-year-old’s demands. Kuminga wants a player option, but the franchise only offered a three-year, $75 million team option deal. Without that option, the team is only willing to pay $54 million.
If no agreement is reached by October 1, Kuminga will accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 47 games (10 starts).
Johnson explained: “I think Jimmy, as someone who came in last year and proved: ‘Alright, you took care of me, all the Miami drama is gone, it’s just basketball for me.’ And now he’s saying: ‘Show me it’s all about basketball. We’ve got two weeks until training camp. So either pay Kuminga or move him. A decision has to be made.’”
In February, Golden State traded for Butler from the Heat, where he had a toxic relationship with the team. The Warriors didn’t hesitate to lock him in with a two-year deal. The question now is: will they do the same with Kuminga?
