The stalemate finally ended. Jonathan Kuminga signed a two-year $48.5 million extension with the Golden State Warriors. Mike Dunleavy and the front office essentially got everything they wanted. Kuminga waived his no-trade clause and has a team option in his contract. However, JK is expected to get the opportunity to pick his next stomping grounds, too.

As Shams Charania mentioned, “The deal has a team option designed for the contract to be ripped up and renegotiated next summer,”. Still, the ball is in the Warriors’ park. They can activate the team option to keep JK for another season if they don’t find an ideal trade. However, Andy Liu doesn’t think the franchise would do that.

“He’s not going to last long enough for them to quote unquote renegotiate and rip up that contract. That’s not going to be an option for the Warriors. That will be an option for someone else. Hopefully, the Milwaukee Bucks or something like that. So, that won’t be something the Warriors will be dealing with next summer,” he shared on Light Years.

In the months that went by before the settlement, it became clear that Kuminga wants opportunities. His agent, Aaron Turner, relayed his client’s desire for a starting role with consistent minutes. However, as long as Steve Kerr is the Warriors’ head coach, he’s been transparent about not being comfortable playing Kuminga next to the core.

The situation could change through training camp. Kuminga has spent time in Cleveland, polishing his game throughout the summer. If things don’t improve, though, the Warriors could look to trade JK in January, when he becomes eligible. Until then, Liu suspects there could be more drama that unfolds once the 22-year-old joins the team.

Is the Jonathan Kuminga drama really over?

Kuminga didn’t appear on media day because of his contract stalemate. The explosive forward also missed the first day of training camp for the same reason. While doing so, JK also didn’t appear at Jimmy Butler’s team mini-camp. Likewise, there is some tension in the Warriors locker room. And Liu doesn’t think Kuminga agreeing on a deal will see that go away.

“It puts them in a situation where now I’m fascinated to see what the team looks like when Kuminga does walk through that door. Like now I’m fascinated to see like what actually happens when he is at practice and are things bought in. Sam, the drama is over. At the same time, I gotta admit, man, feels like the drama has just begun because that that’s that’s how that’s how it is in Warriors land,” he admitted.

At the same time, no players have expressed any grudges towards the Warriors forward. Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green both showed their support for Kuminga. Additionally, even Stephen Curry is confident that the 22-year-old will help the team regardless of his future intentions. A sign that it is indeed the case is Kuminga’s decision.

Had he taken the qualifying offer, the Warriors couldn’t have benefited. Being on essentially a one-year deal allows the two sides to work out a move if necessary. Additionally, Kuminga waiving the no-trade clause also signalled some trust in the front office. From here on out, the Warriors and Kuminga are working together.

In the event of a trade, the franchise will get helpful assets back for JK. His contract value allows them to make a productive addition. Furthermore, Jonathan Kuminga is well-liked by his teammates, too. Obviously, it will still be a looming story as long as he continues with the Warriors. But he’s done everything to help the franchise during a crucial time.

Do you think there will be more drama to follow? Let us know your views in the comments below.