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11-Year NBA Veteran Reveals Harsh Reality for Jonathan Kuminga

Former Memphis Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas spoke on the Golden State Warriors forward.

Joey Linn

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Several reports this NBA offseason have indicated former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga is seeking a contract extension larger than what the Golden State Warriors are willing to offer.

Kuminga is entering restricted free agency after this season which gives the Warriors an opportunity to match any offer he receives.

Via Anthony Slater of The Athletic on September 12: “The Warriors aren’t currently prepared to give Kuminga a max extension (like the five-year, $224-million deal Franz Wagner got from the Orlando Magic that will start at 25 percent of the cap) or anything that stretches too close to that $44.8 million annual salary, league sources said.”

In a recent episode of his Gil’s Arena podcast, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas shared a harsh reality for Kuminga, saying Golden State does not have to offer his desired contract because of his restricted free agency.

“Since he’s restricted then it’s basically on him,” Arenas said. “You average 20 and 10, I’ll give him $220M. If you don’t, $150M. So for Golden State there’s no point - if he’s gonna take the $150M, cool. Take it. Thank you. If not, go out there and play it. The only thing Kuminga has to think about is can he play worse and go under $140M?”

Arenas played 11 seasons in the NBA, the last of which came with the Memphis Grizzlies. The situation he described is the reality of restricted free agency, and it can be tough for a player in Kuminga’s position. 

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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