Jonathan Kuminga took his time and said yes to the Golden State Warriors. Aaron Turner, Kuminga’s agent, confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that the forward will return on a two-year, $48.5 million deal. But it wasn’t exactly everything he wanted; he missed out on a player option. Meanwhile, someone else got theirs, even though their own summer plans were delayed because of Kuminga’s holdout. That someone? Veteran big man Al Horford.
NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on X, “Al Horford’s contract details with the Warriors: Year 1: $5.7M, Year 2: $6.3M (player option). Two-year, $12M contract with a player option for the 26-27 season, as reported by @MikeAScotto.” Scotto added on X, “Update: Al Horford has a second-year player option in his two-year, $12 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, league sources told @hoopshype. Horford is expected to start at center and is eager to compete for another championship. Deal negotiated by agent Jason Glushon.”
Before Jonathan Kuminga officially confirmed his return, it was reported that Al Horford had agreed to a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors. The contract wasn’t officially signed yet, but with Kuminga’s news out, Horford is reportedly getting a player option, something Kuminga pushed for all summer but ended up with a team option instead.
The major catch in Kuminga’s contract? The second year is a team option, meaning the Warriors or any team that trades him next season, can revisit the deal after 2025-26. Kuminga chose this two-year, $48.5 million deal over a three-year, $75 million offer to maintain more control over his immediate future, even waiving his no-trade clause.
The agreement guarantees him about $15 million more than he would have earned on a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, making it the fourth-highest salary on Golden State’s books behind Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs in the second period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The negotiations weren’t easy. Kuminga and the Warriors have had a rocky relationship over the past four years, with both sides frustrated about his role. The team wasn’t sure they could give him big minutes, and Kuminga felt he wasn’t treated fairly. Being a restricted free agent made trades tricky, so for now, it’s a “marriage of convenience.” Even with months of back-and-forth and a three-year, $75 million offer on the table, the Warriors stuck to their rules while Kuminga pushed for a player option or a bigger yearly salary.
Kuminga’s deal has major implications for Golden State’s roster and payroll. His $22.5 million salary for next season, the Warriors’ luxury tax jumps past $80 million, though they still have room to add two players on mid-level or minimum contracts.
With Seth Curry also joining on a one-year deal, and key pieces like Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton, Al Horford, and rookie Will Richardson locked in, the team now has a mix of veteran leadership and young talent to balance against the salary cap.
On the court, Kuminga has shown flashes of the talent that made him a top prospect. Over the 2024-25 season, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, but his standout moments came in the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves with Curry on the bench. Over three straight games to close the series, he scored over 20 points each night, shooting 54.3% from the field and proving he can carry the team when needed.