Golden State is pressing Jonathan Kuminga to take the two-year, $45 million offer laid out this summer, while Kuminga is demanding roughly $30 million per season and a Year 2 player option. The stalemate could stretch into September, with the Warriors hoping a team-friendly deal clears the way for a sign-and-trade and Kuminga bet on himself toward a bigger deal as an unrestricted free agent next summer. Oct. 1 looms as the deadline to accept the qualifying offer for 2025-26, adding urgency to keep him in Golden State or pivot via a trade.

The market for 2021 draftees is heating up: Jalen Suggs just secured five years and about $150 million, Franz Wagner landed a five-year, $224 million extension, and Kuminga’s camp is watching those contracts closely. Whispers around a Josh Giddey-linked trade add spice to the drama, suggesting either side could leverage the stalemate into a broader package. The dynamic shapes not just Kuminga’s future but how the Warriors approach their roster moves this season and beyond.

From a fantasy lens, the outcome matters: Kuminga’s role and minutes could swing based on a resolution, and his value will shift with any destination or the leverage of a sign-and-trade. If he returns to a starting role, expect elevated usage and occasional star-turn nights; if a move materializes, his fantasy ceiling will hinge on where he lands and how quickly a new coach and system unlocks his two-way upside.

USA Basketball tees up a bold 2028 bid by compiling a fresh core of under-23 talent, led by Paolo Banchero and a rising duo in Cooper Flagg and Amen Thompson, plus Chet Holmgren as a modern stretch-big anchor. The piece highlights Jalen Suggs and a watch-list of guards (Stephon Castle, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Cason Wallace) to pair with a defensive backbone and elite wing/forward potential. It also nods to a veteran exodus, with LeBron, Durant and Curry unlikely to suit up, pushing the onus onto a new generation led by 2028 expectations and 2023-24 maturation curves. The discussion links future guard prototypes to the success of the last Olympic cycle and maps a path for multi-Olympic runs through 2032.

In short, the piece paints a narrative where USA Basketball leverages versatility, two-way defenders, and a flexible frontcourt to thrive across FIBA formats, while blending star power with role-player depth. The guard archetype evolution—backcourt sustainment from Suggs through Brunson—with a defensive spine from Holmgren, Thompson and Flagg could redefine how the U.S. competes in Paris-adjacent volleys and beyond.

The Orlando Magic made significant strides during the NBA free agency, notably acquiring shooting guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies, marking a pivotal upgrade from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Additionally, they signed Tyus Jones to a one-year contract, bolstering their backcourt after trading Cole Anthony. Star forward Paolo Banchero secured a five-year extension, while Moe Wagner was also re-signed. This revamped roster is poised to elevate the Magic's competitiveness as they aim for a deeper playoff run.

Despite a recent Summer League loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Jalen Suggs remains optimistic about the team's potential. He stated, “The sky’s the limit,” highlighting a shared championship mindset among the players. Following a playoff appearance last season, the Magic are gearing up for an exciting season, particularly with Suggs returning from injury. Last season, he averaged 16.2 points per game over 35 appearances, indicating his crucial role in Orlando's success.

Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic has secured a five-year, $239 million maximum rookie contract extension, with the potential to rise to $287 million through performance-based triggers. To reach the supermax level, Banchero must either be named to an All-NBA team or capture MVP or Defensive Player of the Year honors in the upcoming season.

With this deal, the Magic solidify their core of Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs for the next five years, complemented by the recent acquisition of Desmond Bane. Banchero's impressive stats from last season include averages of 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, making him a pivotal player for the Magic moving forward. His performance post-All-Star break and in the playoffs demonstrates his growth and potential to elevate the team further.