Jonathan Kuminga asks for five-year contract worth up to $224 million

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is eligible to sign a five-year contract worth up to $224 million. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, both Kuminga and his agents are reportedly asking for that same contract extension.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga and his representation are seeking a full contract extension

In an episode of the “No Cap Room” podcast, Fischer said, “Jonathan Kuminga is entering the final year of his rookie deal, while rumor has it around the league from multiple sources that Kuminga and his representation are seeking a full max extension.”

Fischer added: “Which, as we just talked about with BI (Brandon Ingram) and Jamal Murray, and whoever, if you’re not an absolute All-Star Scottie Barnes type for Toronto, Lauri Markkanen for Utah, Trae Young for Atlanta back in the day… It’s really hard to get that number. That’s what the agent has to do in that scenario.”

Jonathan Kuminga, however, has not shown himself to be a top-tier player in recent seasons. His role has been inconsistent under Warriors coach Steve Kerr. It would be a big gamble. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound wing averaged his career-high last season, at least.

In 74 games (46 as a starter) during the 2023-24 season, he averaged career highs of 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 26.3 minutes per game while connecting on 52.9% of his field goals, 32.1% of his three-pointers and a career-high 74.6% from the free-throw line.

His player efficiency rating (17) and usage percentage (24.1%) were also career bests. In Golden State’s 134–133 loss to the Sacramento Kings on January 25, 2024, he recorded a career high of 31 points on 12 of 19 (63.2%) shooting from the floor, 2 of 4 (50%) from long range and 5 of 6 (83.3%) from the free throw line.

Kuminga is currently signed to a two-year, $24.86 million rookie-scale contract with the Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga, who turns 22 on Oct. 6, is currently under a two-year, $24.86 million rookie-scale contract. His club option for 2024-25 worth $7.64 million was exercised on Oct. 31, 2023.

Even if the Warriors offered Kuminga such a contract, how would they be able to pay him? In July, the team signed Kyle Anderson to a three-year, $27 million contract and gave Buddy Hield two years and $21 million guaranteed.

The Dallas Mavericks’ sign-and-trade deal to acquire Klay Thompson helped Golden State’s salary cap. However, the Warriors will likely make Stephen Curry’s future with the franchise their top priority.

Curry is still eligible for a one-year, $62.6 million max extension this summer that would take him through the 2026-27 season. The Dubs have until Oct. 21 to sign the 16-year veteran for the additional year.

History shows that some NBA players are simply not worth a maximum contract.