Warriors GM downplays Kuminga’s contract situation after extension deadline passes

Contract negotiations between the Warriors and fourth-year wing Jonathan Kuminga didn’t get far, and the deadline to agree to an extension passed Monday without a deal.

General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said he doesn’t want to make too much of that result.

“I don’t think much has changed in regard to our hopes for his future with the team,” Dunleavy told reporters on Tuesday after the Warriors’ practice on the eve of their season opener.

“Sometimes these things get done, sometimes they don’t. I don’t want to overreact either way. From that standpoint, (we had) really good communication and conversations over the course of this summer to get to where we got to. Didn’t get a deal done. It’s got to work for both sides. Totally reasonable.”

Kuminga, 22, didn’t sign an extension as many of his draft classmates earned big paychecks. Franz Wagner, Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley each got maximum-level five-year, $224 million deals. Jalen Johnson and Jalen Suggs signed five-year, $150 million deals. Trey Murphy III also earned nine figures with the Pelicans.

Besides Kuminga, relevant players from the 2021 class who didn’t get a deal done include Cam Thomas and Josh Giddey.

The Warriors retain both Kuminga’s rights — he’s set to hit restricted free agency next summer — and the ability to trade him in the short term. What’s best for all parties involved, Dunleavy said, would be another major leap for the forward.

“I think the most important thing for JK is to just have a great year,” Dunleavy said. “I think that’s what’s best for him, the Warriors, the whole deal. I think we’re in great alignment and move forward. Hope to get something done in the offseason.”

Kuminga is likely to be in the Warriors’ starting lineup for the opener Wednesday in Portland, but the most common configuration head coach Steve Kerr has used may not maximize his skill set. In a perfect world, Kuminga would be surrounded by shooters to create driving lanes. Golden State’s roster isn’t necessarily conducive to that, especially since Kerr prefers to keep a non-shooting center next to Draymond Green in the frontcourt.

But Kuminga should have ample opportunity to blossom. He bumped his scoring average from 9.9 to 16.1 last year while maintaining efficiency. Already one of the game’s best going downhill, Kuminga flashed an improved 3-point shot in the preseason.

Asked if the failure to reach an extension could affect Kuminga’s mindset, Dunleavy said that’ll be up to the player.

“I think that approach is up to him,” Dunleavy said. “That’s his call. But I think ultimately, the most important thing is he has a great season. And that should be his only focus. That should be the focus whether he got the extension or not. And so it’s pretty simple and straightforward to me. His motivation shouldn’t change.”

Dunleavy and the Warriors did strike a deal with Moses Moody. The 14th overall pick in the 2021 class signed a three-year, $39 million contract.

Like Kerr said on Monday, Dunleavy told reporters that he values Moody on and off the court. The game slowed down for him this summer and in the preseason, so the Warriors were comfortable rewarding him with a long-term deal.

“We’re seeing the right signs,” Dunleavy said of Moody. “He’s making the right strides. I’m optimistic about him being a really good player in this league.”