Kuminga Agrees to Two-Year Deal; Agent Aaron Turner Irks Warriors
The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga reached a deal: a two-year, $48.5 million contract with a team option for Year 2, ending one of the last notable restricted free-agent sagas. The process drew heat — some in Golden State were “irritated” that agent Aaron Turner went on a media tour while negotiating and said Kuminga was “prepared to sign a one-year qualifying deal” if necessary. Trade talks with Sacramento and Phoenix, including a reported near-$90M offer, also fizzled. Merlin sees value and volatility in equal measure. Kuminga showed real flashes — 24.3 points on 55.4% in four playoff games without Curry — but his season-long efficiency slipped. The Warriors kept the upside; whether Turner’s tactics bruise trust or were worth the price will shape next year’s chemistry.
