An anonymous NBA executive has expressed strong confidence in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, stating that he would be willing to offer the 21-year-old a five-year contract worth $125 million. The executive went further, comparing Kuminga’s value and potential to that of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, who recently signed a similar long-term extension.
Kuminga, who was selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has steadily developed into one of the most promising young players in the league. Known for his elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and improving offensive game, he took a notable step forward last season, averaging 13.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field. Despite playing within a Warriors roster stacked with veteran talent, Kuminga has managed to carve out an increasingly important role and earn the trust of head coach Steve Kerr.
The executive’s comparison to McDaniels is particularly telling, as the Timberwolves wing is widely regarded as one of the league’s top young defenders and a core piece for Minnesota’s future. McDaniels signed a five-year, $136 million deal in October 2023, setting a market precedent for two-way forwards in their early twenties. The belief that Kuminga could command a near-equivalent contract signals just how highly he is valued around the league.
Beyond his raw numbers, teams see in Kuminga a player with the potential to become a consistent 20-point-per-game scorer while defending multiple positions at a high level. His combination of size, speed, and physicality makes him a mismatch on both ends of the floor, and his offensive game has expanded each year, with improvements in shot selection, ball-handling, and decision-making.
For the Warriors, the decision to commit long-term money to Kuminga will be influenced by their cap situation, roster construction, and the franchise’s ongoing effort to balance its veteran core with emerging young talent. With Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level but entering the later stages of his career, Golden State’s front office will have to decide how to keep the team competitive now while building for the future.
Around the league, other front offices are watching closely, aware that players like Kuminga rarely become available once they reach restricted free agency. The anonymous executive’s remarks suggest that, should an opportunity arise, there would be aggressive interest from multiple teams willing to invest heavily in his potential.
Kuminga’s continued development this season will be key in determining whether the Warriors meet that high valuation or if rival franchises attempt to lure him away with a substantial offer sheet. Regardless of where he signs, it’s clear that his reputation as one of the NBA’s rising young forwards is only growing stronger.
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