Jonathan Kuminga’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors remains in a state of uncertainty, but what’s clear is that the franchise isn’t quite ready to part ways with the 21-year-old forward. Despite ongoing trade rumors and interest from rival teams around the league, the Warriors continue to show signs that they value Kuminga’s athleticism, potential, and the flashes of brilliance he displayed—especially during the most critical moments of last season. When Stephen Curry was sidelined in the playoffs, Kuminga stepped up in a way that demonstrated both maturity and promise, making it harder for the team to entertain any hasty decisions about his future.
According to insider Brett Siegel, the Warriors are taking a measured approach when it comes to negotiating Kuminga’s next deal. The organization appears to be exploring three possible contract frameworks if Kuminga stays on the roster heading into the 2025-26 season. The most substantial of these is a three-year contract worth between \$75 million and \$80 million, which would include a player option and a trade kicker, averaging around \$26 million annually. Such a deal would signal that the Warriors see Kuminga as a key piece of their future—not just a placeholder until the next star becomes available—but they’re also safeguarding flexibility with the inclusion of opt-outs and trade-friendly clauses.
The second, more conservative offer being considered is a two-year, \$45 million short-term contract. This option gives both the player and team breathing room. Kuminga gets paid at a higher rate in the short term while maintaining the ability to re-enter negotiations or test the market sooner. For the Warriors, it’s a way to delay a long-term commitment while still keeping Kuminga in the fold and on the floor. It’s a move that aligns with a team still weighing how to rebuild around the aging core of Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson without completely sacrificing youth and long-term upside.
The third and most financially conservative option—for Golden State, at least—is for Kuminga to take the \$7.9 million qualifying offer and hit unrestricted free agency in 2026. This would effectively turn the 2025-26 season into a contract year for Kuminga, giving him motivation to prove his value on the court. However, this scenario carries risks for the Warriors. If Kuminga plays well and enters free agency with considerable leverage, Golden State could find itself priced out of retaining him, particularly if other teams come forward with max-level offers or opportunities for a larger role.
What’s notably absent from the conversation, at least at this point, is any discussion of a four- or five-year extension. That’s not on the table unless it’s part of a sign-and-trade scenario, which speaks volumes about where things stand. While the Warriors have shown no indication of wanting to cut ties outright, they are not prepared to lock themselves into a lengthy commitment unless the return justifies it. The idea of a sign-and-trade deal would allow them to extract value from Kuminga’s departure, rather than letting him walk in free agency for nothing.
Several teams have reportedly expressed interest in Kuminga this offseason, with the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings emerging as potential suitors. However, no deal has come to fruition. Whether due to a mismatch in asset valuation, cap space logistics, or just hesitation from Golden State’s front office, the reality is that Kuminga is still wearing a Warriors jersey. And for the Warriors, letting him go without a return package simply isn’t an option they’re willing to entertain right now. The front office has made it clear they aren’t just throwing Kuminga into a trade as filler. Any deal would need to make strategic sense—not just financially but also within the broader goal of maintaining competitiveness while gradually transitioning to the next generation of Warriors basketball.
Kuminga’s situation is complicated by the ongoing balancing act within the Warriors organization. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Head Coach Steve Kerr are tasked with maintaining a team that can compete in the twilight years of Curry’s career while also developing young talent like Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and of course, Kuminga. The team’s recent offseason moves—like letting go of veteran Chris Paul and adding depth pieces rather than marquee names—reflect a subtle shift in priorities. The Warriors are no longer just title-or-bust; they’re also keeping an eye on life after Curry.
For Kuminga, the path forward isn’t just about money or minutes. It’s about finding a role where he can thrive. He has all the physical tools—length, athleticism, explosiveness—but the Warriors system, with its intricate ball movement and veteran-heavy hierarchy, hasn’t always made it easy for young players to shine consistently. Yet, when given the chance, Kuminga has produced. He averaged career highs last season and had stretches where he looked like the second-best player on the floor. It’s that ceiling that continues to intrigue not only Golden State but other franchises as well.
Whether or not Kuminga remains with the Warriors beyond this season may ultimately come down to timing. If he takes the qualifying offer, both sides essentially kick the can down the road, setting up a make-or-break campaign in 2025-26. If a trade emerges that benefits all parties, including Kuminga’s development, the Warriors may finally pull the trigger. But if Golden State truly believes in his trajectory—and if they’re unwilling to let him go without a haul in return—then a short-term extension seems like the most plausible middle ground.
A return to Golden State feels like the most realistic outcome for now. The market hasn’t yielded an offer compelling enough to make the Warriors rethink their strategy. Kuminga hasn’t publicly pushed for a trade or shown signs of discontent. The team’s internal evaluations remain positive, and Kerr has spoken highly of the forward’s growth on both ends of the floor. Still, the NBA landscape is fluid. One injury, one breakout stretch, or one aggressive trade offer could shift everything.
As of today, Kuminga remains one of the Warriors’ most intriguing long-term assets. The team’s decision to hold off on any sweeping move is both a show of faith and a calculated risk. They know the upside he represents, but they also understand the business side of the league. If Kuminga’s value continues to rise, so too will the pressure to either pay him what he’s worth or move him before it’s too late. Until then, fans will have to wait and watch—knowing full well that Kuminga’s next chapter in the NBA is still being written. Whether that chapter unfolds in San Francisco or somewhere else remains to be seen.
