Despite an underwhelming stretch during the regular NBA season due to various setbacks, the Golden State Warriors managed a respectable playoff run. Injuries, however, derailed any deeper contention, with one of the biggest blows coming when Jonathan Kuminga went down. The franchise was forced to act quickly, acquiring Jimmy Butler to reinforce the rotation. Now, with the offseason in full swing, Kuminga’s future with the Warriors appears to be taking shape.
Following the end of the 2024–25 season, head coach Steve Kerr made comments that strongly suggested Kuminga no longer fits into Golden State’s long-term plans. The 22-year-old forward entered restricted free agency this summer, prompting the Warriors to explore a potential sign-and-trade scenario in hopes of recouping value.
However, league-wide interest in Kuminga has been tepid at best. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Sacramento Kings have shown the most consistent interest, but their offer has not come close to meeting the Warriors’ expectations. “No significant traction on the Jonathan Kuminga front over the weekend, per sources,” Slater reported. “Restricted free agency around the NBA remains ice cold. Conversations and little action. Kings have been the strongest pursuer of Warriors’ wing, but nothing has come close.”
Kuminga is reportedly seeking a deal in the $30 million per year range—one that would make him the third-highest paid player on the roster behind Stephen Curry ($59.6 million) and Jimmy Butler ($54.1 million). The young forward believes his upside and contributions justify a higher salary than four-time NBA champion Draymond Green, who is set to earn $25.8 million next season.
The standoff in Kuminga’s situation could have broader implications. Golden State’s inability to move him may be a key factor in the delay of any potential deal involving Damian Lillard. The Warriors are navigating tight salary cap constraints, and few teams around the league are in a financial position to absorb a contract of Kuminga’s desired value.
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According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Brooklyn Nets are currently the only team in the NBA with the cap flexibility to offer Kuminga a contract in the $20 million per year range. Meanwhile, the Warriors have already extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to maintain his restricted free agency rights, indicating they are intent on receiving compensation before parting ways.
Kuminga’s role within the Warriors’ rotation diminished further following the high-profile acquisition of Jimmy Butler, which cost the franchise Andrew Wiggins. Last NBA season, Kuminga played in just 47 games, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists—a solid stat line but not enough to justify his lofty contract demands in today’s free agency climate.
As Golden State continues to retool its roster with an eye toward maximizing Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years, the question remains: will Kuminga be part of the picture, or is his chapter with the Warriors quietly nearing its end?
