Dub Hub: Jonathan Kuminga says ‘I’ll bet on myself’ amid Warriors contract standoff

Jonathan Kuminga appears to be making his stance clear as contract negotiations with the Golden State Warriors remain at a standstill into late July.

In an Instagram story posted Wednesday, Kuminga shared a photo of himself seated next to his agent, Aaron Turner, with the caption: “I’ll bet on myself all day.” The post comes amid reported frustrations over contract value, role clarity, and future control.

Turner followed up with a message of his own, reinforcing the confidence Kuminga’s camp has in the 22-year-old forward’s value.

According to a recent report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Kuminga and his camp believe Golden State has failed to offer him a well-defined role through his first four seasons and has “stunted and strung” along his career. The Warriors’ power forward is coming off a season in which he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shot 45.4% from the field while his minutes fluctuated throughout the year.

Golden State’s most recent offer reportedly includes a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option for the second season. Kuminga has declined the proposal, instead seeking a longer-term commitment and more control over his future.

Unless the two sides can reach a deal, Kuminga may opt to play out the 2025-26 season on a one-year, $8 million qualifying offer — a move that would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.

For now, the message is clear: Kuminga is betting on himself, and not backing down.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, July 30th:

Warriors News:

Sources: Jonathan Kuminga declining Warriors’ offer over terms

The Warriors, sources said, believe they have the best offer on the table for Kuminga because of the highest starting salary ($21.7 million next season compared to $19.8 million elsewhere) and the two-year team option concept. The deal is purposefully structured to be tradable come Jan. 15, and if Kuminga’s ultimate desire is to play elsewhere, it would allow his next team to decline the team option and extend him. He would be the fourth-highest-paid player on the Warriors next season if he accepted the offer.

NBA offseason grades: How every team fared before 2025-26 season

Golden State Warriors

Grade: Incomplete

Having merely added a pair of picks in the 50s (Will Richard and Alex Toohey), the Warriors are impossible to evaluate until they figure out the status of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. If Golden State indeed signs veteran center Al Horford and brings back guard De’Anthony Melton, as ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported is possible, that would be a solid summer to build on last season’s strong finish after the Jimmy Butler trade. For now, all of that remains on hold.

What NBA voices think of Jonathan Kuminga’s value as Warriors gridlock lingers 

Can he reach his ceiling with the Warriors?

Analyst: Probably not in [Golden State’s] system. Put him in a place like Portland. Put him on a team that plays “four out.” The dude can get his own. Not too many guys in the league right now can go get their own bucket. He can. Just give him the ball and move out of the way, and he can do it.