The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga remain at odds as contract talks drag on.
Kuminga is a restricted free agent who has yet to agree to a new deal. The Warriors have reportedly offered a two-year, $45 million contract. But if Kuminga opts for the $7.9 million qualifying offer instead, he’ll be on a one-year deal and set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer.
That path wouldn’t just shift leverage to Kuminga — it could complicate Golden State’s ability to match salaries in a future trade. As Bobby Marks explained, moving Kuminga on a short, low-value deal limits the Warriors’ flexibility if a star becomes available.
All of this puts Golden State in a tricky spot. They don’t want to lose Kuminga for nothing. But they’ve also made it clear they won’t move him unless the return meets their standards.
What the Warriors Have Looked For in Return
In past sign-and-trade conversations, Golden State’s asking price has been consistent: a promising young player, a first-round pick, and no bad salary coming back.
That framework helps set the stage for a recent mock trade pitch floated by Sports Illustrated’s Thomas Carelli. While it doesn’t hit every point of that ask, it does present a scenario worth watching.
The Mock Trade: Kuminga to Utah
Here’s the deal proposed by Carelli:
Jazz receive:
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Jonathan Kuminga (via sign-and-trade)
Warriors receive:
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Georges Niang (via $8.8 million trade exception)
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2027 first-round pick (via Minnesota)
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2028 first-round pick (via Utah)
Utah’s Angle: Building Around the Frontcourt
GettyLauri Markkanen of the Jazz attempting a floater.
The Utah Jazz have the draft capital to explore bold moves. With eight first-round picks over the next four drafts and a young core built around Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, they’re well-positioned to take calculated swings.
Adding Kuminga would boost their athleticism and upside, especially alongside Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr..
Warriors’ Return: Shooting and Draft Picks
For the Warriors, Niang brings one clear asset: shooting. He’s a career 40% three-point shooter and fits well alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. The two first-round picks help replenish future assets without compromising the current cap sheet.
While the deal lacks a young, controllable player, it does offer shooting depth and flexibility — two things Golden State could value if the standoff with Kuminga continues.
Final Thoughts
The trade proposal comes at a time when the Warriors are still weighing their options with Kuminga. Golden State has held firm on what they want in return — but as talks remain stalled, this is the kind of offer that could at least get them listening.
Two first-round picks may even be viewed as an overpay depending on how the Jazz value Kuminga. But if they see him as the missing piece alongside Bailey, Kessler, and Markkanen, it’s the kind of gamble a team with assets to spare might be willing to take.
It’s not exactly what the Warriors have asked for — no young player, and Niang isn’t necessarily a guaranteed rotation piece. But with an additional pick in the mix, it could even be better in some ways. If a deal like this were ever on the table, it would be enough to spark real conversation in the front office.
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