Jonathan Kuminga’s uncertain future has officially stolen the Warriors’ summer headlines and not in a good way. As the only team that has yet to sign or trade for a player this offseason, their entire strategy seems frozen. It’s clear JK isn’t thrilled with his role in Golden State – he is openly chasing All-Star status and wants a starting gig that reflects it. And, per ESPN, Kuminga has no interest whatsoever in accepting the Warriors’ current proposal and is open to walking. Mike Dunleavy Jr., managing the team’s roster under a tight cap, is cornered, and every realistic outcome feels like a loss for the franchise.

“From an asset management standpoint, the Warriors have absolutely shot themselves in the foot… The Warriors are looking at three realistic options (with Kuminga), and all three feel like losses for the Warriors.” Media veteran Marc Grandi remarked.

The first option is to settle for the Kings or Suns’ “lowball” trade offer to put an end to this situation. Per reports, Phoenix has offered a trade package centred around sharpshooter Grayson Allen. Nick Richards and Royce O’Neal could also be included. But Warriors do not seem interested, mainly because they are seeking a high-upside young talent and a first-round pick in exchange for Kuminga. Also, Grayson’s $16.9 million salary is not something they want to be burdened with.

Meanwhile, the Kings have reportedly made an offer including Dario Saric, Devin Carter, and a protected first-rounder. However, Dunleavy is only interested in Keon Ellis or Keegan Murray, as they fit the Warriors’ roster requirements better. While Warriors are not pleased with the available offers, settling for one of them to get the Kuminga situation over with is a viable move.

Option two? Let’s call it ‘The One-Year Standoff’. Jonathan Kuminga could take the $7.9 million qualifying offer, stick around Golden State for one more season, and then walk into free agency next summer. Sounds simple, right? Not quite. That one-year deal comes with a no-trade clause that gives Kuminga the power to say, “No thanks,” to any midseason relocation plans. And that’s where the Warriors get stuck in the mud, according to one anonymous exec who suggested Kuminga should be locked in with a three-year, $65 million contract instead.

As the exec warned the team about it, “If he takes the qualifying offer, the Warriors are f—– from a team-building standpoint, because they need to get him on a deal where they can trade him. That’s the key for them.” Although Kuminga seemingly no longer fits Dunleavy’s vision, the GM wants to get the maximum return for the young forward, which will not be possible if he becomes an unrestricted free agent. And just to keep the Warriors sweating, Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to make up his mind, and absolutely no reason to decide a minute earlier than he has to.

That leaves them with the third option – Overpay Kuminga and hope that his stock rises for a future trade. Well, Warriors are reportedly willing to offer him $20 million annually over three years. But JK believes he is worth way more, expecting close to $30 million per year. Moreover, he claims he never got a chance to showcase his maximum potential in the Bay because of his inconsistent minutes. “I want it to be a consistent role,” he remarked. Maybe, overpaying him would motivate him to look past these role concerns and commit to the Warriors for another season. That’s a huge risk because if JK has another bad year, then Dunleavy would be stuck with his massive contract with no takers.

While Warriors are assessing their options, JK has also been analysing what’s best for him.

Jonathan Kuminga “open-minded” to the idea of joining the Kings amid promise of bigger role

Amid his trade buzz, Kuminga made it clear that he intends to bet on himself, “I feel like I’m at the point where that has to be my priority. To just be one of the guys a team relies on. Aiming to be an All-Star. Multiple times. Aiming to be great.” The youngster no longer wants to live under Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler’s shadow, taking a backseat while they shine. And the Kings are reportedly willing to offer him that opportunity.

According to veteran insider Anthony Slater, “Kuminga had contact with the Kings in the last couple of days… from what I’ve gathered, he liked the pitch that Scott Perry gave. He’s open-minded to the idea of Sacramento.” Yes, Kings are potentially offering Kuminga a starting role and a bigger opportunity than the Warriors are willing to give. Something he has been craving since he started his career.

Well, Kings have already made their offer to Dunleavy, and if Kuminga pushes for a trade, maybe the GM will give in to the pressure to move on from this situation once and for all. Which option do you think is best for the Warriors?