Jonathan Kuminga Linked To Eastern Conference Team in Potential Max Deal

The Golden State Warriors did not reward rising forward Jonathan Kuminga with the massive rookie extension he was looking for this past offseason. He is the highest-ranked player from the 2021 NBA Draft Class who did not get his extension.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Dubs and Kuminga "were never close" on an agreement, and it's quite possible that the pending restricted free agent could be looking at greener pastures once this season comes to an end. His comments on the lack of a contract are intriguing:

I’m not really concerned about it. I’m just concerned about coming out here and performing every other day. I ain’t really thinking about that. The time came and nothing happened.

But something will 'happen' next offseason. And as NBA insider Jake Fischer intimated, "You only bet on yourself like this if you believe there will be other suitors out there."

He then goes on to suggest that the Philadelphia 76ers will be one of those prime suitors.

"If you’re looking at options, if you’re someone who’s advising Kuminga, or if you’re Kuminga himself, and trying to think about who could be a potential suitor for you to reward you with that near max money next year, the Sixers have definitely indicated around the league and behind the scenes that they are willing to pay, add in another piece," said Fischer. "Just keep Philadelphia in mind for looking at guys like Kuminga who are on rookie deals or potentially up for a big payday where they know their incumbent team might not be willing to give that top dollar.

"I think the Sixers have a lot of willingness to go deep into the tax if the right guys are available and... they’re willing to pay in the tax for is someone that really does cement this title window around Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey.”

Kuminga, the Congolese power forward, set career highs across the board in his third season last year, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 26 minutes per game. He also started 46 games of the 74 he played.