ESPN officially verified this morning that the Golden State Warriors have signed a substantial $73.7 million contract. While the initial prompt doesn’t explicitly name the player, recent reports strongly suggest this figure is tied to a potential contract for Jonathan Kuminga, the young forward who has been at the center of trade rumors and contract extension talks. The $73.7 million figure aligns with the potential multi-year extension Kuminga is reportedly seeking, with figures like $30 million per year being floated in the media for his restricted free agency.
If this $73.7 million indeed refers to a new contract for Jonathan Kuminga, the “what y’all doing” sentiment from fans becomes even more pronounced. This would imply the Warriors are making a significant long-term financial commitment to a player who has recently been involved in a heated physical altercation with Draymond Green and whose relationship with the franchise is reportedly on a “rocky path.”
- The Kuminga Dilemma: Kuminga, a former lottery pick, possesses immense athleticism and flashes of star potential, but his development has been inconsistent, and his desire for a larger, more ball-dominant role has caused friction. The reported locker room fight with Draymond Green further complicated his standing. Handing out a contract worth $73.7 million (likely over 2-3 years at an average of roughly $24-$36 million per year) would signify the Warriors’ belief in his long-term future, despite the recent turmoil and his perceived fit issues within the existing “win-now” core.
- A Risky Investment: This level of commitment to Kuminga, especially after the Al Horford signing and the prior acquisition of Jimmy Butler, highlights the Warriors’ complex roster strategy. They are attempting to simultaneously contend for championships with an aging core (Curry 37, Butler 36, Green 35, Horford 39) while also investing in younger talent. The risk is that Kuminga’s development continues to be inconsistent, or that his desire for a bigger role conflicts with the established pecking order of the veterans, potentially leading to further discord.
- Impact on Salary Cap: A $73.7 million deal for Kuminga, particularly if it’s a multi-year extension, would further entrench the Warriors deep into the luxury tax, potentially well above the second apron. This demonstrates an unprecedented level of spending from ownership, but also severely limits future flexibility in roster construction. It means that nearly every significant piece of their roster would be on a hefty contract.
- The “Nap Instead of Šarić” Context: The fan’s frustrated comment, “He just took a nap instead of Dario Šarić, what’s that?”, now takes on added layers. While the Horford signing addressed the immediate need for a veteran center, the larger picture of roster allocation and spending priorities is being questioned. If the $73.7 million is for Kuminga, it emphasizes a significant investment in potential over proven, consistent contribution in a “win-now” window, especially when considering more cost-effective and system-familiar options like Šarić were available in prior offseasons. The “nap” could symbolize a perceived lack of urgency or strategic misjudgment in addressing immediate needs with the most complementary pieces.
In a stunning turn of events, the Cleveland Cavaliers have officially signed a highly sought-after franchise talent, according to the player’s own declaration this morning. This player, whose identity is not explicitly named in the prompt but is described as having “turned down the Boston Celtics and two other NBA clubs,” represents a major victory for the Cavaliers. Furthermore, the head coach (presumably of the Cavaliers) stated that “the most skilled team” will join the Cleveland Cavaliers for a medical in the next twenty-three hours after personal conditions were agreed upon and paperwork was signed, but… the prompt trails off, leaving a tantalizing cliffhanger.
While the player’s identity remains officially unconfirmed, the description points to a significant acquisition for Cleveland, a team already featuring a strong young core of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley.
- Who Could It Be? The phrasing “most skilled team” joining the Cavaliers for a medical is unusual. It could be a unique way for the player to refer to himself and his agent/entourage as a “team” of skilled negotiators, or it could be a reference to a specific skillset he brings that he believes is superior to other free agents. Given the context of turning down the Celtics and two other clubs, this player is clearly a high-value free agent.
- Potential Candidates (Hypothetical): While specific names are not provided in recent news, one might consider top-tier free agents from 2025 who prioritize winning and would be coveted by contenders. If Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) was dealing with an Achilles injury (as per prior context), it’s highly unlikely he’d be signing with another team, especially given his status as a Celtics franchise cornerstone. The phrasing could point to a high-profile point guard, wing, or even a star big man who fits the Cavaliers’ developing lineup. It suggests a player who brings elite individual talent to an already strong unit.
- Rejecting the Celtics: The rejection of the Boston Celtics is a significant blow to the reigning champions. This suggests the Cavaliers offered a more compelling package, whether it be financially, in terms of role, or a clearer path to immediate and sustained contention. The Celtics, despite their recent championship, are also facing challenges, including key players entering free agency (e.g., Al Horford, who ironically just signed with the Warriors) and navigating luxury tax implications.
- The “Most Skilled Team” Intrigue: The head coach’s statement adds another layer of mystery. If it refers to the player as an individual “team” of skill, it hypes his individual talent. If it’s a genuine “team” joining, it’s a highly unusual phrasing for a free agency signing. However, the most logical interpretation is that the coach is referring to the player as being the “most skilled” individual the Cavaliers are bringing in, aiming to elevate their overall talent level.
- The Cliffhanger: “But…” The unfinished sentence “but…” suggests a caveat or an unforeseen hurdle. This could be anything from:
- …a minor injury concern that needs final clearance.
- …the player’s decision to play it safe and take a slightly longer rehabilitation timeline than initially planned.
- …a last-minute demand or negotiation point emerging that still needs to be ironed out.
- …a deeper tactical or team chemistry concern that the coach is hinting at, despite the undeniable talent.
These two breaking stories highlight a dynamic and unpredictable NBA offseason. The Warriors are making aggressive, potentially risky, moves to extend their dynasty, doubling down on veteran experience while investing heavily in a young player whose future role is still somewhat ambiguous. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are quietly building a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, attracting top talent and signaling their serious intent to challenge for a championship.
The coming days, as the “most skilled team” undergoes its medical in Cleveland and as the full implications of the Warriors’ $73.7 million commitment unfold, will be crucial in determining the trajectories of these two franchises and, indeed, the competitive balance of the entire league. The excitement of free agency, with its bold declarations and tantalizing cliffhangers, has just begun.
