While multiple players selected in the 2021 NBA Draft received rookie contract extensions this week, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga was not among them.
For those who have followed the relationship between the Warriors and Kuminga, this was to be expected. Despite his status as a top-10 pick, he’s had to claw his way into the rotation. At first, it seemed like the natural byproduct of being on a veteran-laden team hoping to keep their dynasty alive. The only reason they were even able to draft someone like Kuminga was because of an injury-riddled 2020-21 campaign.
However, it’s become clear that Kuminga’s real problem is that he’s a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. The Warriors want him to zig, but he’s more comfortable zagging. It’s certainly worth questioning why Golden State would draft a player who didn’t align with their offensive philosophy. Nonetheless, the fact is that he and Golden State don’t look like a match.
Nets, Sixers Keeping Tabs On Warriors Lottery Pick Jonathan Kuminga
Though the Warriors couldn’t agree to terms with Kuminga on an extension, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reports that the youngster was looking for an annual salary that was north of $30 million. Yet, Bleacher Report insider Jake Fischer reports that the Warriors would be “happy to pay” Kuminga a lucrative salary if he demonstrates that he’s worth the price tag. Therein lies the problem, as Kuminga’s clunky fit in the first unit could impact his reputation and opportunities.
That being said, Fischer names the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets as teams that target Kuminga, paying him the money he’s looking for from Golden State.
Philadelphia 76ers
“The Sixers have definitely indicated around the league and behind the scenes that they are willing to pay and add in another piece right now” says Fischer. “They are willing to spend their draft capital.”
Fischer notes that Kuminga could be swapped for KJ Martin due to the latter’s salary. Of course, the Sixers would also have to give up some of their draft capital. Kuminga is a better scorer than Martin while making a similar impact in other areas in the game. That being said, if this was the route that the Warriors decided to take, Kuminga would have to be moved before the 2024-25 trade deadline.
Alternatively, the Sixers could try to complete a sign-and-trade with Kuminga when he becomes a restricted free agent. If so, players like Kelly Oubre Jr. could be on the move as well.
Brooklyn Nets
As for as the Nets are concerned, the idea wouldn’t be to trade for Kuminga, but to sign him outright. To that point, Brooklyn is projected to have $80.1 million in practical cap space next offseason. As a rebuilding team, this makes plenty of sense.
“There’s already been rumblings of Brooklyn potentially willing to throw a big offer sheet at Jonathan Kuminga…”
For starters, the Nets can exercise patience with Kuminga as he gets the reps he needs to mature his game. On top of that, Brooklyn is something of a blank slate, with center Nic Claxton their only definitive cornerstone player. As a result, Kuminga doesn’t have to try to fit into an established system or rotation.
In fact, the Nets could opt to build around him.
