Jonathan Kuminga's Golden State handcuffs

Good morning.What are the Warriors are really trying to do with Jonathan Kuminga? Let's basketball.

ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater compiled an update that matches recent rumors about the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors continue to stick with their 2-year, $45 million offer with a team option on the second year. Kuminga continues to prefer a longer-term deal or a 1-year deal that gives him a de facto no-trade clause. Kuminga has apparently received offers from the Suns and Kings at four years, $90 million, which is notably the same average annual value as the Warriors' offer. But the Warriors will apparently not consider a sign-and-trade unless it comes with an unprotected first-round pick. Kuminga's team has also apparently signaled interest in a 3-year, $82 million deal from the Warriors, essentially demanding a premium to commit another year to a franchise that has long jerked him around.

No one in this situation has any leverage whatsoever, which is making it all a total mess. If Kuminga truly wants freedom from the Warriors soon and control of his career now, he has to take the $7 million qualifying offer, which is a huge risk given how quickly Steve Kerr has been prone to drop him from the rotation and it's a huge drop-off in potential salary for next season. The Warriors, meanwhile, essentially cannot do any of their other business this summer until this is resolved. That other business are widely rumored signings of Al Horford (who should have offers elsewhere) and De'Anthony Melton (who might not). Those dudes aren't going to wait forever, or might request some sort of incentive to do so. The sign-and-trade options might also dry up if the Suns and Kings decide Kuminga isn't worth the trouble.

Based on their offer, it's also clear that the Warriors do not want Kuminga on the team, which is making this all the more difficult to resolve.