BLOCKBURN: Kuminga OFFICIALLY ASKS TO LEAVE, Warriors QUIETLY MAKE HISTORIC DEALS WITH 2 NBA STARS! Jonathan Kuminga shocked everyone when he refused to renew his contract, demanding a 150% salary increase or leaving. In secret, Golden State has ‘closed the book’ with Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton – the deal is only waiting for Kuminga to leave to be activated!

The Golden State Warriors find themselves at the center of one of the summer’s most dramatic contract standoffs, as Jonathan Kuminga has officially demanded a trade while the franchise quietly positions itself for a potential roster overhaul with two high-profile veteran signings already in place.

The $150 Million Mistake That Changed Everything

The saga took a shocking turn when reports revealed that Kuminga rejected a five-year, $150 million contract extension from the Warriors before the 2024-25 season began. The decision to bet on himself has spectacularly backfired, as the 22-year-old forward now finds himself in restricted free agency with dramatically reduced leverage.

Kuminga is currently seeking a deal worth at least $25 million per year, representing a significant reduction from the $30 million annually he previously turned down. However, even this lowered demand has met resistance from Warriors management, who are reluctant to commit long-term money to a player whose role and production remained inconsistent throughout the season.

Warriors Hold All the Cards

As a restricted free agent, Kuminga’s options remain severely limited. The Warriors can match any offer sheet he receives from competing teams, giving Golden State ultimate control over his destination. Multiple potential suitors, including the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, have shown minimal interest due to salary cap constraints and concerns about his asking price.

The Chicago Bulls emerged as Kuminga’s preferred destination through a sign-and-trade, but negotiations have stalled as both sides remain “far apart” in contract discussions. The Warriors are demanding first-round draft compensation in any trade scenario while simultaneously seeking to avoid paying Kuminga the salary he desires.

Secret Agreements with Veteran Stars

While Kuminga’s situation drags on, the Warriors have been working behind the scenes to secure two significant additions. Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton already have verbal agreements in place with Golden State, according to multiple league sources.

The 39-year-old Horford, fresh off another championship run with the Boston Celtics, would provide the Warriors with veteran leadership and playoff experience at the center position. Meanwhile, Melton, who previously played six games for Golden State before suffering an ACL injury, represents a defensive-minded guard who fits the team’s identity.
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The Waiting Game Intensifies

The Warriors’ inability to finalize deals with Horford and Melton stems directly from the unresolved Kuminga situation. As one NBA insider noted, “Kuminga’s situation is holding these deals up,” preventing Golden State from moving forward with their planned roster construction.

Sources indicate that the Warriors are prepared to let this standoff extend into August if necessary, knowing that time works in their favor. With each passing day, Kuminga’s leverage diminishes while the Warriors maintain their ability to either retain him at a reduced salary or facilitate a trade that meets their asset demands.
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A Calculated Gamble Gone Wrong

The irony of Kuminga’s situation cannot be overstated. By rejecting what would have been a substantial overpay at $30 million annually, he now faces the possibility of signing for significantly less money while potentially being traded to a destination outside his control.

Warriors management appears content to send a clear message that they value Kuminga as a tradeable asset rather than a cornerstone player. This positioning allows them to maintain maximum flexibility while avoiding long-term financial commitments that could limit future roster moves.

Championship Window Considerations

With Stephen Curry’s championship window continuing to narrow, the Warriors are prioritizing proven veterans over developmental projects. The potential additions of Horford and Melton signal a win-now approach that aligns with their superstar’s timeline rather than investing in Kuminga’s uncertain future.

The franchise’s willingness to let this situation drag on demonstrates their confidence in having alternative plans already in motion, with the veteran signings representing a more reliable path to immediate contention than gambling on Kuminga’s continued development.

As this high-stakes standoff continues, the Warriors appear positioned to emerge with either a cost-controlled Kuminga or valuable trade assets while adding two experienced players who can contribute immediately to another championship pursuit.