Deadlines spur actions. That's why the icy standstill between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors may come to an end Oct. 1. That's the deadline for the former seventh overall pick to sign his qualifying offer.
Ideally, it doesn't take until then, especially for Al Horford. The soon-to-be former Boston Celtic is waiting patiently for a resolution between two sides that are unlikely to share a long-term future.
Kuminga would seemingly love a fresh start elsewhere. However, for now, that is unlikely to happen. The Warriors don't have to worry about losing the restricted free agent. However, they also don't seem interested in offering anything more than their reported two-year, $45 million proposal, with a team option for the second year.
Rather than accepting that, the six-foot-seven wing is most likely to take the qualifying offer, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area.
"Kuminga signing the qualifying offer remains the anticipated outcome," reports Poole. "The deadline to do so is Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Al Horford and the rest of the veterans in Golden State's waiting room are quietly pleading for clarity."
Accepting the $7.99 million qualifying offer would give the four-year veteran a no-trade clause and allow him to enter free agency next summer. Having control over where he plays this season before being able to choose his next destination after the conclusion of the upcoming campaign makes this the most palatable option for Kuminga.
What might Al Horford's deal with the Warriors look like?
As Poole states, Horford, among others, is tired of waiting. Those individuals want to put pen to paper and officially get started with Golden State. At least they know this saga's end is on the horizon.
Kuminga doesn't want a multi-year pact with the Warriors, especially not one with a team option to give the club control of the situation next offseason.
That's why Oct. 1 is unlikely to come and go without an end to the stalemate between him and the organization he's eager to move on from. Horford has remained patient throughout the summer. Seeing training camp approaching has to be frustrating. However, at least he can take comfort in knowing that a resolution appears imminent.
Once that happens, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that the 18-year veteran is expected to join Golden State on a two-year contract that includes a player option. That would give the 39-year-old a path to playing into his 40s.
Horford remains impactful at both ends of the floor, and he is a model example of taking care of one's body properly to perform at one's best while working through the wear and tear of an NBA season. While his partnership with the Warriors could be one-and-done, it should not come as a surprise if he gets multiple chances at a championship alongside Stephen Curry.