After a breakout period in the second half of last season, Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation was always a big topic of conversation heading into his fourth season with the Golden State Warriors.

But unlike Moses Moody, a fellow fourth-year lottery pick, Kuminga and the Warriors were unable to agree on a new contract before the extension deadline on Oct. 21.

Looking for his first big salary in the league, Kuminga and his management were right to go for the biggest contract possible. He saw his fellow 2021 draft class members, namely Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner, receive maximum five-year contracts worth more than $220 million.

There was a lot of speculation about what Kuminga and his management ultimately wanted and what Golden State’s front office was willing to offer. According to a recent report from Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the young forward had no interest in accepting anything less than a five-year, $175 million deal.

“Instead, Kuminga didn’t come close to a similar five-year, $150 offer because it looked like he was at least considering a five-year, $175 million deal.” Scotto wrote.

Given his uncertain starting position this season and very few teams left with cap space next offseason, Kuminga may have made a big mistake by not being willing to accept anything less in an extension, especially if the Warriors were willing to offering something in the range of $150 million.

The 22-year-old started the first three games of the season but has only managed one since. Kuminga is currently averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 43.1% from the floor and 29% from 3-point range – all worse marks than last season. It’s not like his role wasn’t in flux during his first three years in the league, meaning it should have been considered as a distinct possibility when it came to whether or not to accept an extension offer before the season .

From a front office perspective, the Warriors now have far more flexibility in what they could do from a trade perspective without having to consider an impending Kuminga extension. His limited freedom of action will still have to factor into every decision, but there are still far more options than they would have had.

Kuminga’s early season form suggests he is far from a $150 million player, let alone the $175+ million he was aiming for. Perhaps Golden State learned a thing or two about patience after the Jordan Poole situation, and they could capitalize on that by making sure they aren’t locked into a contract that could have quickly unleashed a wave of criticism.