Steve Kerr doesn't love Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors as a player. The Warriors have to decide on Kuminga, with reports suggesting that they've offered him a $45 million deal over two seasons.
Ultimately, however, Kuminga has much more to consider than just the money. $45 million is a ton, and he might deserve that, but if he doesn't get the opportunity to show the Warriors and other teams around the league after two seasons that he deserves more, this could be one of his final contracts in the NBA, or he could be about 25 years old and be in a similar position to where he is at 22.
According to the latest report from Anthony Slater of ESPN, that's somewhat of the issue. According to Slater, he not only wants the money but also doesn't want to be a secondary option or a bench piece.
"Beyond the contract demands, Kuminga is in search of a more guaranteed, consistent starting role and featured opportunity, sources said. That's something both the Suns and Kings have pitched. Kuminga would be a significant part of the Warriors' rotation to open next season, and they'll need his supplementary scoring on nights that either Steph Curry, 37, or Jimmy Butler, 35, rest. That's something head coach Steve Kerr has voiced to Kuminga in recent weeks. Kerr has been one of the leading voices trying to patch this together," he wrote.
MORE: Warriors linked to reunion with Gary Payton II in free agency
"But Kuminga no longer wants to be a secondary option or a fallback plan, fearing a minimization in important moments. He scored 18, 30, 23, and 26 points in the final four playoff games against the Minnesota Timberwolves after Steph Curry went down."
Kuminga had some impressive moments for the Warriors during the postseason last year, but Kerr hasn't trusted him for much of his career.
If the idea isn't to trust a young player, not only should the Warriors not pay him $45 million, but they should also allow him to seek other options.