The Golden State Warriors are the only NBA team that hasn’t made a significant offseason move, largely due to the ongoing contract stalemate with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.1 Other teams in the league have been active in free agency, trades, and extensions, but the Warriors’ offseason has been defined by a quiet, holding pattern. The team’s front office seems focused on resolving the Kuminga situation, a key factor in their roster and salary-cap decisions.
Kuminga’s Contract Saga and Its Impact on the Offseason
The Warriors’ offseason has been dominated by the saga surrounding Jonathan Kuminga, who is a restricted free agent.2 He’s reportedly rejected a two-year, $45 million extension offer from the team, as he wants a long-term deal without a team option.3 This has put the Warriors in a bind. As a restricted free agent, Kuminga can receive an offer sheet from another team, which the Warriors have the right to match.4
The front office’s reluctance to make other major moves stems from their desire to maintain flexibility to either re-sign Kuminga or facilitate a sign-and-trade. Several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, have expressed interest in Kuminga.5 The Kings, for example, have reportedly offered a sign-and-trade package that includes Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick.6 However, the Warriors rejected this offer, reportedly because they want an unprotected first-round pick in return.
This standoff has created a ripple effect, preventing the Warriors from being active in the free-agent market. While there have been rumors of interest in players like Seth Curry, Khris Middleton, and De’Anthony Melton, no deals have materialized. The team is essentially in a waiting game, unable to fully shape its roster until Kuminga’s future is settled.7
The Bigger Picture: A Championship Core on a Tightrope
The quiet offseason can be seen as a calculated risk for the Warriors, who are still in win-now mode with their aging Stephen Curry-led core. The addition of Jimmy Butler late last season showed the team’s commitment to contending, and they’re likely trying to build on that momentum. However, the Kuminga situation complicates everything.
There’s speculation that the Warriors are keeping their options open for a potential superstar trade down the line, with Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s name being mentioned. This would explain their hesitation to commit to a long-term, high-value contract for Kuminga. By maintaining their assets, they’re positioning themselves to be a player in a hypothetical bidding war for an elite talent.
This approach is not without its risks. The Kuminga drama could be a distraction for the team and could sour their relationship with a young, promising player. If they lose him for nothing, it would be a significant blow. The Warriors are gambling that their current core, with the recent addition of Jimmy Butler, is strong enough to contend while they navigate this complex situation.
The waiting game has also drawn criticism from some fans and analysts who believe the team should be more aggressive in fortifying its roster. While other teams in the Western Conference have made significant moves to improve, the Warriors’ inactivity has left them in a state of uncertainty.
The Warriors’ silence is not a sign of inaction, but rather a reflection of a high-stakes, behind-the-scenes negotiation that holds the key to their future. The entire league is watching to see how the team resolves the Kuminga situation, as it will determine the direction of the franchise for years to come.
