Overview

• The Warriors and Kuminga have resumed negotiations but remain far apart after the forward turned down a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option and no-trade waiver.
• Kuminga’s willingness to accept the one-year qualifying offer effectively guarantees him unrestricted free agency status next summer if no agreement is reached.
• NBA financial rules and Golden State’s proximity to the luxury-tax apron have limited sign-and-trade return values, prompting demands for an unprotected first-round pick and a starter-caliber player.
• The contract impasse has stalled the Warriors’ pursuit of offseason targets such as Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry, leaving roster additions on hold.
• Analysts project that, absent a resolution before the season, the most plausible outcome is a trade around February’s deadline when financial restrictions ease.