SAN FRANCISCO — Two days after ending a 92-day contract standoff with the one NBA group he has ever recognized, Golden State Warriors wing Jonathan Kuminga went by way of his first apply of his fifth season Thursday afternoon.
Ninety minutes after it wrapped, Kuminga met with native reporters to debate the oddity of the second. He simply signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract — usually a pledge of loyalty between group and younger participant.
However all the pieces in regards to the contentious negotiations and construction of the deal factors the alternative approach. Kuminga accepted the additional cash (his qualifying provide was $7.9 million), however sources mentioned he felt compelled into the staff choice construction. The Warriors additionally required he waive his inherent no-trade clause.
So there is a common feeling that he was signed to be a commerce choice as soon as he’s eligible to be moved in mid-January. Kuminga and agent Aaron Turner additionally spent a lot of their summer season looking for sign-and-trade alternatives with groups just like the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns.
So two separate questions had been introduced to Kuminga. The primary: Does he need to be with the Warriors long run?
“I am right here now,” Kuminga mentioned. “That is all people’s objective, to be someplace for longer. You by no means know your future. To this point that is my objective. That is what I need to accomplish. Being right here for longer.”
The second: Does he really feel just like the Warriors need him long run?
“I might say so,” Kuminga mentioned. “Based mostly on me being again right here. On the finish of the day, let’s have a look at the place this takes us. However my focus is that this yr pushing and truly serving to us win. You by no means know what is going on to occur, however I am completely happy, glad to be again.”
Thursday was the Warriors’ third apply of the season. A lot of the staff had additionally been scrimmaging collectively within the few weeks prior. They met in San Diego final week for a minicamp organized by Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga, deep in contract negotiations, did not go to San Diego and held off on doing five-on-five summer season scrimmage work till he signed his deal. He mentioned he is a bit behind, however coach Steve Kerr mentioned Kuminga got here again in nice form and seemed nice in Thursday’s scrimmage, during which Kuminga took half in half.
“It is a enterprise,” Kuminga mentioned of the contract drama. “On the finish of the day all that issues is we obtained it performed and I am excited to be right here.”
Consideration now turns as to whether Kuminga may also help this staff attain its objective of climbing again into rivalry.
“Simply serving to us win,” Kuminga mentioned. “Discovering a approach to assist us win on each ends. Protection, offense, discover a approach to be a bit that is going to assist us win video games and hopefully a championship.”
Kuminga mentioned he has seen the criticism that he “solely thinks about offense” and pledged to be an element on the defensive finish this season.
“If it is on protection, if it is an project, simply go guard the very best participant,” Kuminga mentioned. “In the present day we want you to attain. In the present day we want you to protect sure folks. That is what I am wanting ahead to and I am open-minded to it.”
Kuminga modified his jersey quantity to No. 1 this season. He wore No. 00 his first 4 seasons. He mentioned he felt prefer it signified a little bit of a contemporary begin and it was his highschool quantity.
“I really feel prepared,” Kuminga mentioned.
