Jonathan Kumingaâs future with the Golden State Warriors hangs in the balance as the offseason marches along. While recent scuttlebutt suggests that Kuminga will likely return, the 22-year-old restricted free agent has also been floated in trade rumors.
In all likelihood, until Kuminga and the Warriors hammer out a new deal, speculation about his next move will continue to run rampant. Every word about the situation will be dissected and combed over. Take, for example, Trayce Jackson-Davisâ recent comments.
Appearing on Willard & Dibs on 95.7 The Game, the Warriorsâ third-year center said Kuminga âwas a great teammate.â While Jackson-Davis simply couldâve misspoke, mentioning Kuminga in the past tense certainly raised eyebrows.
Kuminga, the seventh overall pick in 2021, is seeking a long-term extension worth upwards of $25 million per year, according to ClutchPointsâ NBA insider Brett Siegel.
Return to Golden State Remains Likeliest Scenario
Siegel reported that various high-ranking figures within the Warriorsâ organization would like Kuminga back, and as more time passes, the expectation around the league is that he will indeed stay put. Depending on how the market shakes out, the Warriors could then look to move him at the February trade deadline.
âThere 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,â Siegel reported. âKuminga 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.â
The 6-foot-7 Kuminga was a key rotational player during the regular season, when he averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds across 47 games (10 starts). But he really showed his value in the postseason following an injury to Steph Curry, contributing 20.8 points per game on 54.3% shooting from the floor in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kuminga was playing out the final guaranteed year of his four-year, $24.85 million rookie deal after failing to agree to a long-term extension with Golden State prior to the season. He was extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer prior to the leagueâs negotiating period last month.
What Other Teams Are Pursuing Jonathan Kuminga?
If not Golden State, where might Kuminga land?
Anthony Slater of the Athletic reported earlier this month that the Warriors balked at a trade offer by the Sacramento Kings that included Devin Carter, Dario Saric and a pair of second-round picks.
Siegel reported that Kuminga and his camp were expected to meet with a few different organizations during Summer League to get a better feel for his market, but nothing has materialized yet.
Returning to Golden State would mean teaming with a veteran-laden roster led by Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
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