Introduction

Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has notably missed the informal minicamp organized by Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler, sparking discussions around his ongoing contract negotiations with the team. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Kuminga was the only member of the Warriors' tentative 2025-26 roster absent from workouts taking place in San Diego.

Kuminga's Current Situation

The 22-year-old forward is currently without a contract, which means he is not obligated to participate in any official or unofficial team activities. The standoff between Kuminga and the Warriors appears unchanged, as there remains a significant risk that his participation in workouts could lead to an injury that might affect his market value.

Charania and fellow ESPN reporter Anthony Slater highlighted that the primary issue lies with the inclusion of a team option in Kuminga's contract. The Warriors have extended a three-year offer valued at $75.2 million, with only $48.3 million guaranteed due to the third-year team option. Alternatively, a year without the option could see an offer reduced to three years and $54 million.

Future Considerations

Kuminga has the option to sign a qualifying offer of $7.9 million, which would place him in line for unrestricted free agency next summer. His agent, Aaron Turner, has hinted that this is a serious consideration as the October 1 deadline approaches. During an appearance on The Hoop Collective podcast, Turner noted, "There's a lot of upside. He wants to pick where he wants to go. So the QO is real for sure."

With the regular season on the horizon, both Kuminga and the Warriors continue to navigate a precarious situation. The absence of a contract could hinder their preparations as training camps approach, with much left to be resolved in the coming weeks.