According to Kroichik, Jonathan Kuminga sees himself on the same tier as stars like Cade Cunningham and Scottie BarnesJonathan Kuminga (Image Credits: Imagn)
Jonathan Kuminga entered the NBA as the Golden State Warriors’ 7th overall pick in the 2021 Draft. The draft class was highlighted by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, who went first overall.

The San Francisco Chronicle’s Ron Kroichik recently shed light on Jonathan Kuminga’s current contract situation. He reported that Kuminga’s peers have already secured long-term deals.

Five of the six players selected ahead of Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 NBA draft, and the one taken directly behind him, already got their bag,” Kroichik wrote.

According to Kroichik, Kuminga sees himself on the same tier as stars like Cunningham and Scottie Barnes.

He apparently thinks he’s at the Cade Cunningham–Scottie Barnes level, where he should get that type of contract. It’s really a quandary. I think it’s bad for the Warriors and bad for him,” Kroichik added.

Interestingly, the only other top-7 pick yet to finalize an extension is Josh Giddey, who was selected sixth overall. The Chicago Bulls reportedly offered Giddey a four-year, $80 million contract. However, just like Kuminga, Giddey is holding out in hopes of reaching the $30 million-per-year mark.

Meanwhile, Kuminga remains increasingly unsettled with Golden State. Reports suggested that the 22-year-old forward has begun to feel like a “pawn” in the Warriors’ bigger picture.

Warriors And Jonathan Kuminga Resume Contract Talks Amid Uncertainty

Jonathan Kuminga Jonathan Kuminga (Image Credits: Imagn)
On NBA Today, reporter Anthony Slater revealed that the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga have restarted discussions regarding his contract extension after weeks of silence. Slater noted that it doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is close.

Well, there’s been renewed conversation between the two sides. There’s dialogue, but as you all know, talking doesn’t necessarily equal movement. They’ve shared contract concepts and opinions about the whole thing between each other this last week, dating back to last weekend. Kuminga wants more of a player-friendly deal, more of a signal that he’s a building block, not a trade asset,” Slater said.

Since being drafted in 2021, Kuminga has now completed four seasons with Golden State. Over that span, he has averaged 12.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, per StatMuse.