The Golden State Warriors might be listening to trade offers for Jonathan Kuminga, but that doesn’t mean anything is close. In fact, it could be weeks — or longer — before a deal comes together.
On the latest episode of The Zach Lowe Show, The Ringer’s Zach Lowe gave a revealing update on the 22-year-old’s situation, suggesting that Golden State’s asking price is making teams hesitate.
“And from what I’ve heard in the Jonathan Kuminga situation, I’m not sure what you’ve heard, this might take a while because I think the Warriors want real stuff back, like a decent young player, a first-round pick,” Lowe said on the podcast.
Kuminga is currently a restricted free agent and has drawn significant interest across the league. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, teams including the Wizards, Heat, Bulls, Bucks, and Nets have all shown interest. The Kings, too, are considered a serious contender.
Trade Math Isn’t Helping the Warriors
It’s not just about interest — it’s about logistics. Base-year compensation rules, salary matching, and a depressed market have all created friction in getting a sign-and-trade across the finish line.
“The team that’s getting Kuminga is like, ‘Well, because of the base year compensation rules… there’s got to be salary kind of flying around the league. If we’re dumping money to get Kuminga, like the team we’re dumping to might ask us for another pick. And at that point, the price is just a little rich for our blood,’” Lowe added.
That puts the Warriors in a difficult position. They want value back for Kuminga — and understandably so. He’s still just 22, a former lottery pick with elite athleticism and two-way upside. But after a rocky 2024–25 season, in which he appeared in only 47 games and struggled with consistency, other teams aren’t biting just yet.
What’s Next for Golden State?
GettyJimmy Butler III #10, Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors react against the Orlando Magic.
It’s clear Golden State isn’t in a rush. They’re still evaluating what they want their roster to look like around Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Whether Kuminga is part of that picture or not remains to be seen.
But if the front office is hoping to flip him for immediate value, patience might be the only option. Between the complex sign-and-trade logistics, salary-matching hurdles, and the Warriors’ firm asking price, nothing about this deal is shaping up to be quick or easy. It may take time, multiple teams, and serious negotiation before anything materializes.
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