Jonathan Kuminga has been with the Golden State Warriors since the 2021-22 season, developing steadily under the guidance of veterans like Steph Curry. But a new report suggests his path could take a sharp turn heading into next season.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, there have been no serious conversations between Kuminga and the Warriors regarding his future. The franchise reportedly hasn’t shown genuine interest in offering him a strong deal, despite the 21-year-old averaging 15.3 points per game last season.
“Despite a few conversations between the two sides, the Golden State Warriors have generated no real traction toward a deal with the restricted free agent and, as anticipated, he is expected to explore the market when it opens at 3 p.m. PT on Monday afternoon,” Slater wrote.
Two Potential Landing Spots Emerge for Kuminga
If Kuminga doesn’t return for another season alongside Curry, the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls have emerged as the most likely destinations for the young forward. Either move would mark a significant shift in playing style and team identity for Kuminga.
Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga celebrate after a bucket. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Kuminga was one of the Warriors’ top four scorers last NBA season, averaging 15.3 points per game. While he didn’t start, he became a valuable contributor off the bench for Curry’s squad whenever the big names needed rest.
Money Now a Factor in Kuminga’s Future
It’s clear Kuminga is looking for a bigger payday—especially after proving his worth as a reliable bench player in 47 games last season. His scoring average has remained steady over the past two years (15.3 and 16.1 PPG), and with his four-year, $24 million rookie deal now expired, he’s expected to seek something significantly higher. His salary for this past season was $7.6 million.
