Warriors on the brink of conflict: Curry and Butler demand solutions amid Jonathan Kuminga unexpected holdout

The 2025-26 NBA season is approaching, and the Golden State Warriors face a dilemma that could define their immediate future: the contract of Jonathan Kuminga.

After months of stalled negotiations, the situation has created internal tension within the team, with key figures like Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler applying pressure to resolve the issue before the start of the season.

Golden State Warriors at a crossroads: internal pressure over Jonathan Kuminga intensifies

Kuminga is currently evaluating his second-year player option, while the Warriors remain firm on their proposal, which includes a team option for the second year.

According to sources at ClutchPoints, the behind-the-scenes pressure aims for a quick and fair agreement to keep the young forward in the franchise. “Green, in particular, has supported JK every step of the way,” reported Brett Siegel.

ClutchPoints has learned that Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler have all been advocated behind the scenes in recent weeks for the Warriors to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga to a fair contract.

Green especially has been in JK’s corner.

New details: https://t.co/uHVeRCaB0u

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) September 19, 2025

The key to the deal: player option vs. team option

Kuminga’s camp has made it clear that he is willing to sign a two-year contract as long as he is granted the player option in the second year, aligning his interests with the mission of winning another ring for Steph Curry before the star reaches the twilight of his career.

His agent, Aaron Turner, emphasized on The Hoop Collective Podcast that the Warriors qualifying offer is a real option but only as a last resort.

“If Golden State Warrios doesn’t budge, Kuminga will accept the qualifying offer. But a fair deal, switching the team option to a player option, will ensure he stays and eliminates the need for the qualifying offer,” Turner explained.

This detail has become the epicenter of negotiations, as the qualifying offer would limit the team’s flexibility and guarantee that Kuminga becomes unrestricted at the end of the season.

Locker room pressure and management strategy

The Warriors management knows that any delay increases the risk of Kuminga accepting the qualifying offer and leaving at the end of the season, leaving them with few strategic options.

Meanwhile, Curry, Green, and Butler continue to push for a deal before the situation becomes unsustainable.

With the season rapidly approaching, every day counts, and the decisions made could determine not only Kuminga’s future with Golden State Warrios but also the team’s aspirations to remain competitive in the NBA.