During Giants Batting Practice, Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors hits a home run.

Jonathan Kuminga Speaks during the Warriors Extension Discussions

Jonathan Kuminga spoke with Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard about the extension negotiations—or lack thereof—with the Golden State Warriors.”I haven’t really invested much time in it,” Kuminga said to Kawakami. “I want to stay on the correct path. My main concern is how I can excel. In what way may I assist? Your game will improve as you practice more and more, and opportunities will present themselves.

I know who I am and what I am like, so I’m not bothered about things like that. In the end, all that matters is getting the chance to prove yourself by going out there. and simply biding their time. I’m not even trippin’ or obsessing about it on a daily basis since it’s God’s plan. It’s going to happen, whenever it does.

The Warriors and Kuminga have until October 31 to reach an agreement. If not, after this season the emerging star will be a restricted free agent.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the 21-year-old Kuminga is looking for a max contract, comparable to the $224 million over five years that his draft classmates Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic and Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors received.

Warriors Were Not Willing to Give Jonathan Kuminga a Max ContractBut according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors “aren’t currently prepared to give Kuminga a max extension or anything that stretches too close to that $44.8 million annual salary.”

Slater stated, “A clear divide remains, but there have been tentative extension discussions between the sides, league sources said.”

According to Slater, the poison pill is one of the reasons the Warriors are hesitant to extend Kuminga this offseason. This is because it will complicate salary matching should they need to include their young forward in a star trade if the opportunity presents itself closer to the February trade deadline.

Jonathan Kuminga’s TemperamentThis season, Kuminga is being patient in his negotiations for an extension with the franchise that picked him, in contrast to the previous one when he expressed his frustration, especially on his lack of playing time under Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

Kuminga told Kawakami, “Everyone has their time when God opens their doors.” I haven’t opened my door yet. It will open for business at some point. Of course, I know they’ll be open at any time or shortly. You will proceed slower if you focus on what other people are gaining, doing, or possessing. I’m not attempting to slow down, then. Would you please try to continue doing what I always do?

Kerr would have to deal with the same roster shortage that caused Kuminga frustration during the first half of the previous season, as the team was once again stacked with veterans despite the departures of Chris Paul and Klay Thompson in the offseason.

The tense relationship between Kuminga and Kerr was resolved during a meeting after The Athletic revealed in January that Kuminga “has lost faith” in Kerr.

Kuminga was added to the starting lineup by Kerr. And the former lottery choice of the Warriors flourished.

Throughout his 46 games as a starter, Kuminga averaged 17.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He was frequently regarded as the team’s second-best scorer behind franchise leader Stephen Curry.

Kuminga may have a compelling argument for the rookie max extension next summer if he can make one more step this season.