NBA free agency limitation: Jonathan Kuminga may choose to wager on his abilities by accepting the qualifying offer
Top Restricted Free Agents Remain Unsigned as Negotiations Drag On
As the NBA offseason enters its final stages, three of the league's most promising young talents - Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, and Cam Thomas - find themselves in a similar predicament, with their contracts yet to be finalized.
Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls) is the centre of a tense negotiation, with the Bulls and Giddey at odds over his salary. Giddey is seeking a salary in the $30 million-a-year range, but the Bulls are unwilling to offer that much, with luxury tax implications being a significant concern. Despite Giddey's impressive performance after the All-Star break, averaging around 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, the Bulls are holding firm, and the Australian guard remains unsigned as of late July and into August [1].
Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors) is another restricted free agent still available on the market. The Warriors, like the Bulls, are being cautious with their finances, and few teams can offer starting salaries that would push Kuminga above $20 million annually. The Warriors have offered a two-year, $45 million contract, but Kuminga is seeking an annual average value (AAV) in the $30 million range. The Warriors might consider sign-and-trade options if matching isn't favorable, but as of now, no contract has been finalized [1][5].
Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets) is not explicitly detailed in the top restricted free agent discussions, suggesting that while he may be a restricted free agent, the primary focus and negotiation standoffs are on Giddey and Kuminga. The Brooklyn Nets are mentioned as financially capable of offering the kind of salary Kuminga could command, implying a soft link but not directly connecting Thomas to major unresolved negotiations [5].
In summary, the negotiations for Giddey and Kuminga are a waiting game, with both players being high-value assets that their respective teams are unlikely to let go without matching or exceeding offers. The Warriors and the Chicago Bulls have been identified as potential sign-and-trade partners, with the Warriors reportedly having genuine interest in guard Josh Giddey, who is also a restricted free agent [6]. If Kuminga takes the qualifying offer and sees his role diminished due to a crowded roster, it could hurt his value for next summer. On the other hand, if he takes the qualifying offer and performs well, it could serve as an opportunity to prove his worth to other teams and potentially secure a bigger payday next summer [7].
As of mid to late August 2025, the top restricted free agents - Giddey and Kuminga - remain unsigned and are embroiled in ongoing negotiations without resolution, while Thomas's status appears less prominently reported and likely not among the top restricted free agents in this cycle [8].
| Player | Status | Team | Negotiation Details | |----------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | Josh Giddey | Restricted free agent, unsigned| Chicago Bulls | Waiting game, high value, team cautious about luxury tax | | Jonathan Kuminga| Restricted free agent, unsigned| Golden State Warriors | Warriors waiting to match; sign-and-trade possible; market testing | | Cam Thomas | Not highlighted as top RFA | Brooklyn Nets | Less publicized; no major negotiation details reported |
These negotiation delays are influenced by salary cap constraints, luxury tax fears, and the strategic use of restricted free agency rights by the teams involved [1][5]. No recent updates indicate finalized deals for these players as of August 20, 2025.
[1] - ESPN [2] - The Athletic [3] - The Athletic [4] - ESPN [5] - NBC Sports Bay Area [6] - The Athletic [7] - ESPN [8] - ESPN
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