Image Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

“If You Want a Guy That’s Happy, You Give Him…” – Jonathan Kuminga’s Agent Pushes for Player Option in Warriors Talks

Golden State forward’s agent signals flexibility

Image Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga’s ongoing contract negotiations gained a new direction this week after his agent, Aaron Turner, revealed what the player is seeking.

Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, Aaron Turner said Jonathan Kuminga wants a deal with a player option, but is also willing to settle for the qualifying offer.

The Golden State Warriors have been in talks with the 22-year-old throughout the offseason, offering multiple deals between $20 million and $30 million per year. Despite these proposals, no agreement has been reached. Turner stressed that Kuminga values both fair treatment and flexibility in shaping his future.

Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner on how the Warriors didn’t offer him a deal last season due to the poison pill provision & wanting to keep flexibility to make a big trade.

Makes more sense than getting offered 150M if you think about it

(Brian Windhorst – Hoop Collective Podcast) pic.twitter.com/5VGL3gmU6l
— CeeJay (@ceejaytalksball) September 19, 2025

“There’s a lot of upside,” Aaron Turner said. “He wants to pick where he wants to go. So the QO (qualifying offer) is real, for sure.”

Player Option Central To Talks

Aaron Turner made it clear that Golden State could secure Kuminga’s long-term presence by including a player option. “If [the Warriors] want to win now, if you want a guy that’s happy and treated fairly who is a big part of this team, you give him the player option,” he explained.

Reports earlier in the summer from Shams Charania and Anthony Slater highlighted Golden State’s offers, which included three-year, $54 million and three-year, $75 million deals with a team option. Jonathan Kuminga, however, showed no interest in shorter-term options such as a two-year, $45 million package.

Qualifying Offer Remains A Real Possibility

Turner also suggested Jonathan Kuminga could consider the $7.9 million qualifying offer. That decision would mean a steep pay cut next season but would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, with the potential for a larger contract.

For now, Golden State and Jonathan Kuminga remain at a standoff. Whether the Warriors add a player option or risk seeing their young forward test the market could define the next chapter of the franchise’s future.