The longest contract stalemate of the summer is finally over.
Restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga has signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract to return to the Golden State Warriors, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday.
The deal comes with a team option at the end of the 2025-26 season, with the intention of it being renegotiated when the time comes.
According to Charania, Kuminga opted for a two-year deal rather than a three-year, $75 million deal so he can maintain more control over his immediate future. The Warriors did not want to move off including the team option, and both sides may continue to explore trades when Kuminga becomes eligible in January.
The stalemate between the two sides escalated as the start of the season ramped up, with the young wing not joining the Warriors' mini-camp last week. He did not attend Monday's media day or the first day of practice on Tuesday.
Charania added that Kuminga's camp wanted a player option or a higher salary if the Warriors wanted to include a team option. The Warriors wound up increasing their offer by $8 million as negotiations went on.
Kuminga, 22, averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season for the 48-34 Warriors.
After fighting for playing time throughout the season, Kuminga averaged 20.8 points in the Warriors’ final playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kuminga, drafted with the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, was unable to agree on an extension with the Warriors last fall.
Golden State reportedly offered Kuminga an extension "well beyond" $30 million per season before the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Warriors have over $113 million committed between Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, with both players in the top ten for highest salaries in the league. With this new deal set to hit their books, the Warriors' luxury tax penalty will surpass $80 million but will still be below the league's second apron.
With the resolution, Kuminga becomes the third restricted free agent to sign a deal this off-season after prolonged negotiations. Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls reached a four-year, $100 million contract, and Cam Thomas signed a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer with the Brooklyn Nets.
Quentin Grimes is the final restricted free agent still waiting for a contract from the Philadelphia 76ers.
