The start of the NBA season is approaching quickly, and teams are finalizing their last moves before opening night. One franchise still dealing with serious complications is the Golden State Warriors, who remain entangled in an ongoing standoff with forward Jonathan Kuminga that has yet to reach a resolution.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Warriors are ādiscouragingā sign-and-trade proposals because none of the offers have met Golden Stateās standards.
Fischer added that Kumingaās āonly recourse at this stage might be accepting his one-year, $8 million qualifying offer, which expires Oct. 1.ā He also noted that Kuminga has rejected the Warriorsā two-year, $45 million offer out of concern that Golden State would simply trade him before the February deadline.
This matters because if Kuminga accepts the qualifying offer, he would become an unrestricted free agent next summer, leaving the Warriors at risk of losing him for nothing. Golden State appears unwilling to consider sign-and-trade proposals, believing the forward is holding out to pressure them into making a move. If no deal comes, the expectation is that Kuminga will ultimately accept the two-year contract.
Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors shoots and gets fouled by DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings
The Warriorsā hesitation centers on roster concerns. Fischer reiterated that Golden State doesnāt want to lose Buddy Hield or Moses Moody as part of a sign-and-trade arrangement, particularly for salary purposes. Their goal remains surrounding Steph Curry with reliable perimeter shooting.
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That doesnāt mean Kumingaās situation is resolved. While he could accept Golden Stateās current offer, it seems just as likely ā if not more ā that he bets on himself and plays the 2025-26 season under the $8 million qualifying deal.
Golden State might benefit from revisiting talks with the Sacramento Kings, who reportedly offered a protected 2030 first-round pick and Malik Monk, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The Warriors, however, pushed back, demanding an unprotected pick. Turning down that type of offer could come back to haunt them later.
For now, the Warriors remain in a holding pattern this NBA offseason. They have yet to make significant moves, with names like Al Horford and Seth Curry only circling the rumor mill. None of those possibilities are likely to move forward until Golden State finally settles the Kuminga situation.
