From the time free agency started to now, less than 2 weeks left for training camp, the Warriors have failed to add new pieces. It’s not due to Mike Dunleavy’s lack of ideas. However, every idea and addition can only happen once Jonathan Kuminga’s situation is resolved. Again, there have been multiple offers to find a solution, but both the Warriors and JK have played an equal part in the move, leading to a standstill. That’s why a 7x NBA champion has sent warning signals.

Let’s make one thing straight, Robert Horry is not hoping for the Warriors forward to fail in this situation. “It’s about making you sweat right now. That’s the only thing I could because we know he’s a talent. He can play, and he can he can go. He probably going to end up going anywhere he wants.” On his podcast—’The Big Shot Bob’—the former Lakers star praised the value of what the 22-year-old brings to the table, like averaging 24.2 points in the final four games, without Stephen Curry in the series against Minnesota.

So, Horry feels Jonathan Kuminga is trying to maximise the situation by holding out. However, this strategy comes with a caution. “So, I don’t know if this is a smart move or a dumb move because you look at guys like, you know, we’re going to talk about probably later, you know, Isaiah Thomas, where he didn’t sign a deal.  And then we talking about Dennis Schroder, where he didn’t sign his deal, and it can kind of all these guys are kind of backfired. I hope this doesn’t happen to this guy, you know, because he’s in a better position than those two were. ”

For context, Isaiah Thomas finished in the top five in the 2017 MVP voting and was on track to receive a massive $200 million max contract from the Celtics. But a hip injury and the acquisition of Kyrie Irving led the Boston franchise to trade its superstar. Constant injuries and being unable to prove himself led to constant change of scenery, from the Cavs to the Lakers, Nuggets, and other teams, with the final team being the Phoenix Suns back in 23-24. Those contracts weren’t guaranteed either.

Multiple 10-day contracts and other short-term deals have reportedly made him just $10.6 million since 2017. As stated earlier, the Lakers legend is not hoping the same for Jonathan Kuminga. Because Thomas was 27 at the time, and suffered a major hip injury, which significantly hampered his game. Currently, JK is just 22, and has proved with limited opportunity that he can be an asset. “And I it’s just I think he’s just like in he’s just making the Warriors squirm right now, man. I think he’s just enjoying it,” Horry concluded.

In the case of Dennis Schroder, there were reports of him rejecting the four-year, $84 million contract extension during his first stint with the Lakers. It was back in 2020-21, when he was 27, but the German star refuted that there was any contract on the table. “I mean, end of the day, there never was a contract,” Schroder said. “There never was a contract, never rejected anything … That’s not true.” That’s why the situation with Schroder and Thomas is completely different from JK. But in the world of the NBA, things can go sideways quickly. That’s why Horry issued a word of caution.

Jonathan Kuminga’s ‘enjoyment’ made him decline a $75 million deal

With just 9 guaranteed signings, the pressure is truly on the Warriors to build a roster first. Previously, owner Joe Lacob decided to take the matter into his own hands, but even JK expressed his concerns. “Do you even want me here?” With no concrete plan or role for him, it’s obvious why the Congolese forward is taking time with his decision. Along the way, he has already rejected a two-year $45 million contract, and now he holds the cards. Currently, he can sign a one-year qualifying offer by the October 1st deadline, and come back next season without giving the Warriors long-term guarantees.

Despite this, the Bay Area franchise increased its contract offer to a three-year, $75.2 2 million deal with a team option on the third season. Which he obviously did not accept. Why? “He’s miserable. He doesn’t want to be in Golden State.”According to NBA insider Tim MacMahon on ESPN’s The Hoop Collective. “Whether you agree or disagree about his ability, his talent, he wants to go find out. He’s effed around long enough — now he wants to find out.” Another reason the solution is not reached is due to the Warriors’ front office not giving up on their demands.

The Kings previously made a push for Kuminga a few weeks ago by offering Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick in a sign-and-trade for the former lottery pick. But the Warriors rejected it, and that’s why they are in a lockjam. Jonathan Kuminga can sign his qualifying offer and be out of the Bay Area next season. He gains an automatic no-trade clause, leaving the Warriors with no return for their former top-10 pick. Other team fans might enjoy this situation, but the Dub Nation wants to get over this as soon as possible.