Report: Warriors Jonathan Kuminga Makes Insane Contract Demand


The Golden State Warriors are in a transition period, from the old guard to the new. With Klay Thompson already gone, and Steph Curry and Draymond Green on the back nine, the Warriors need to ensure that they've got a solid young core going forward. 

Clearly, one of those players they believe in, and want to hold onto, is Jonathan Kuminga. However, the word from insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports is that the 21-year-old, off his one good, impact year, is looking to extract a max deal out of the Warriors. 

Jonathan Kuminga is entering the final year of his rookie deal where the word around the league from various sources is that Kuminga and his representation are looking for a full max extension.

Fischer explains that it might be difficult for the fourth-year player to get that kind of money at this point.

"If you're not an absolute All-Star, Scottie Barnes type of guy for Toronto, Lauri Markkanen for Utah you know, Trae Young for Atlanta back in the day, because look at what happened to Trae Young and Atlanta since then, it's really hard to get that number," said Fischer on his No Cap Room podcast. 

And 'that number' would be about $224 million over five years. Kuminga is coming off a promising year of averaging 16.1 points and 4.8 boards, after averaging 9.5 points and 3.3 rebounds over his first two seasons. 

Kuminga is aiming to join his fellow 2021 Draft Class peers Cade Cunningham (#1 pick, Detroit Pistons)Evan Mobley (#3, Cleveland Cavaliers)Scottie Barnes (#4 pick, Toronto Raptors), all of whom were drafted ahead of him, and Orlando's Franz Wagner, who was selected one spot behind Kuminga, at #8, who all received their max extensions earlier this summer. 

The Warriors have turned down advances from other teams with interest in Kuminga in trade talks, but how much will they pony up on a new deal? The 6'8" forward is a key piece as the Warriors try to straddle the gap between sticking with the old guard of Steph Curry and Draymond Green, and moving into the future with youth. 

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