Jonathan Kuminga shared that the Warriors’ veteran core was instrumental in helping him navigate his recent contract negotiations.
In an exclusive with Andscape‘s Marc Spears, Kuminga revealed that teammates Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield each offered steady support and advice throughout his free-agency process.
“The one thing I really appreciate is my teammates,” Kuminga said. “I never heard one of them call me and tell me, ‘Yo, hurry up and do this.’ Just knowing that people like that who I go to work with every other day on that floor have my back, I appreciate that.”
At just 23 years old, Kuminga still is carving out his place with Golden State after being drafted seventh overall in 2021. He averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last season — both career highs — while continuing to grow alongside veterans who already have defined the franchise’s dynasty.
Kuminga added that what stood out most during negotiations was the way those leaders shared their perspective, teaching him about the contract process and giving him patience when he needed it most.
“I spoke to Buddy. I spoke to Draymond. I spoke to Jimmy. I spoke to Steph,” Kuminga added. “All of them. I had a 20-plus type of conversations of how contracts work, how to feel about certain things. They were teaching me certain things.”
That mentorship became especially important when Kuminga missed the Warriors’ players-only minicamp in San Diego. He said Butler was one of the first to understand his decision to stay back and focus on negotiations.
“We had a [players] team camp out there in San Diego. I did not go,” Kuminga explained. “That’s when I had to speak to Jimmy and tell him how things were going and that I can’t get there. He’s one of the guys that really understands where I was coming from because he’s been through contract situations.”
He also leaned on Curry and Green after their offseason travels, crediting their long conversations for putting him at ease.
“Me and Steph had a long, long talk and I really appreciate that,” Kuminga said. “Me and Draymond, obviously, we always talk, but we had a long talk after he was coming back from China. They just gave me hope and patience for sure. I felt like I was comfortable after talking to them.”
As Kuminga looks ahead to the new season, he says the biggest takeaway is knowing he has the full backing of his teammates.
“I think that was the biggest thing I learned: I got people that support me and are always behind me,” he said. “I’m glad and I’m happy to always call them my teammates, my brothers.”
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