Jonathan Kuminga took his time and said yes to the Golden State Warriors. Aaron Turner, Kuminga’s agent, confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that the forward will return on a two-year, $48.5 million deal. But it wasn’t exactly everything he wanted; he missed out on a player option. Meanwhile, someone else got theirs, even though their own summer plans were delayed because of Kuminga’s holdout. That someone? Veteran big man Al Horford.

NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on X, “Al Horford’s contract details with the Warriors: Year 1: $5.7M, Year 2: $6.3M (player option). Two-year, $12M contract with a player option for the 26-27 season, as reported by @MikeAScotto.” Scotto added on X, “Update: Al Horford has a second-year player option in his two-year, $12 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, league sources told @hoopshype. Horford is expected to start at center and is eager to compete for another championship. Deal negotiated by agent Jason Glushon.”

Before Jonathan Kuminga officially confirmed his return, it was reported that Al Horford had agreed to a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors. The contract wasn’t officially signed yet, but with Kuminga’s news out, Horford is reportedly getting a player option, something Kuminga pushed for all summer but ended up with a team option instead.

For context, a player option lets the player decide whether to stay under the agreed contract for the next season or opt out and become an unrestricted free agent. One famous example? Kyrie Irving, who in 2022 accepted his player option to stay in Brooklyn for another fully paid year. On the flip side, a team option works the same way, but it’s the team that decides if they want to keep a player for the following season. If the team declines, the player becomes a free agent. 

This setup could be a little frustrating for Jonathan Kuminga, especially since Horford wasn’t exactly rushing to join the Warriors. ESPN’s Anthony Slater informed, “Horford is comfortable waiting. Retirement remains on the table, sources said, though the Warriors appear to be operating as if he is a firm part of their plan next season.” This is a big move for Horford’s career. 

For a veteran of his experience, it was either take a solid multi-year deal or consider retirement. Horford’s previous deal? A two-year, $19.5 million extension with Boston, fully guaranteed and signed via Bird Rights ahead of the 2023-24 season. Now, the Warriors’ deal is expected to give him similar security, with the added flexibility of a player option.

All of this adds an interesting layer to the Warriors’ offseason chessboard. Even before Kuminga officially signed, Golden State had already locked in key pieces like Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton, rookie Will Richardson, and a two-way deal with Alex Toohey. Now, Seth Curry is on board on a one-year deal with the Warriors. That means, for the first time in the 2025-26 season, Seth will join forces with his brother Stephen after playing 76 games over the last two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. 

Inside Jonathan Kuminga’s $48.5M deal

The major catch in Kuminga’s contract? The second year is a team option, meaning the Warriors or any team that trades him next season, can revisit the deal after 2025-26. Kuminga chose this two-year, $48.5 million deal over a three-year, $75 million offer to maintain more control over his immediate future, even waiving his no-trade clause.

The agreement guarantees him about $15 million more than he would have earned on a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, making it the fourth-highest salary on Golden State’s books behind Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

The negotiations weren’t easy. Kuminga and the Warriors have had a rocky relationship over the past four years, with both sides frustrated about his role. The team wasn’t sure they could give him big minutes, and Kuminga felt he wasn’t treated fairly. Being a restricted free agent made trades tricky, so for now, it’s a “marriage of convenience.” Even with months of back-and-forth and a three-year, $75 million offer on the table, the Warriors stuck to their rules while Kuminga pushed for a player option or a bigger yearly salary.

Kuminga’s deal has major implications for Golden State’s roster and payroll. His $22.5 million salary for next season, the Warriors’ luxury tax jumps past $80 million, though they still have room to add two players on mid-level or minimum contracts.

With Seth Curry also joining on a one-year deal, and key pieces like Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton, Al Horford, and rookie Will Richardson locked in, the team now has a mix of veteran leadership and young talent to balance against the salary cap.

On the court, Kuminga has shown flashes of the talent that made him a top prospect. Over the 2024-25 season, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, but his standout moments came in the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves with Curry on the bench. Over three straight games to close the series, he scored over 20 points each night, shooting 54.3% from the field and proving he can carry the team when needed.