A little over three weeks into NBA free agency, the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga remain far apart from a resolution.
In a worrying update, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reported that the two sides are at an impasse after the Warriors’ failed efforts to find him a new home.
“The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga’s representation are sharing a cell in Restricted Free Agent jail,” Poole wrote on July 23.
“Conversation is sparse, according to league sources. Not knowing when they can begin the remodel they hope will allow them to compete in the NBA’s wicked Western Conference.”
Kuminga was previously linked with the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. A new team, the Phoenix Suns, emerged as a potential suitor, with insiders suggesting that the franchise is keen to add young pieces to build around Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Khaman Maluach.
Suns Lack Assets for Kuminga
The Warriors reportedly have no interest in engaging in sign-and-trade scenarios with the Suns, given that the latter lacks attractive pieces or draft capital.
According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, Kuminga remains a pipe dream for the Suns.
“The Suns have interest in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, league sources confirmed to The Republic, but are unlikely to land him because they lack the draft capital and assets to deliver in what would be a sign-and-trade for the Warriors.”
Insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein earlier reported that the Warriors are seeking a minimum of one first-round pick for Kuminga, in addition to budget-friendly or expiring contracts.
Could Warriors Bring Him Back?
If the Kuminga situation lingers into training camp, the Warriors may look to re-sign the Congolese forward to a short-term deal and explore trades for him closer to the February 2026 deadline. According to Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel, the short-term solution may be beneficial to both parties.
“In Kuminga’s case, a return to the Warriors continues to be likely,” he wrote on July 12. “Various high-ranking members of the organization would like Kuminga back, including owner Joe Lacob, sources said. Ultimately, the expectation from rival teams around the NBA is that Kuminga will go back to the Warriors with the mutual understanding that he will be moved before the trade deadline in February.
“There isn’t a market for him right now, which is why a short-term reunion between Kuminga and the Warriors could be beneficial for both sides. Kuminga could prove his worth during the first few months of the 2025-26 season and rebuild interest around the league, while the Warriors would be able to utilize his full salary instead of 50 percent in sign-and-trade scenarios.”
Siegel reported on July 19 that Kuminga’s camp is seeking a deal in the $30 million-plus range and prefers to play for another team. The Warriors prefer a short-term deal in the $20 million range, which would allow them to flip his contract with more ease.
Many insiders believe the lack of market for Kuminga is due to the limited cap space available around the league, and not an indictment of his talents. Other talented Restricted Free Agents, such as Josh Giddey (Bulls) and Quentin Grimes (76ers), are in a similar predicament with their respective teams.
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