The saga surrounding Jonathan Kuminga and his future with the Golden State Warriors seems to have reached a final conclusion—for now.
After months of trade rumors, including talks with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, the Warriors have decided to bring Kuminga into training camp.
Trade talks have reportedly stalled, and the 22-year-old forward is expected to be back on the Warriors’ roster to start the 2025 season.
What Led to This Decision?
Despite significant interest from teams like the Suns and Kings, the Warriors have pulled back from pursuing a sign-and-trade for Kuminga.
According to Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard, the Warriors’ front office has decided that Kuminga will either sign a contract with the team or accept the $7.9 million one-year qualifying offer.
The team’s stance reflects their long-standing interest in keeping Kuminga, as team owner Joe Lacob is reportedly a big fan of the young forward and his potential.
The Failed Trade Talks
Phoenix Suns: The Warriors were reportedly offered Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and three second-round picks. However, those talks fizzled out.
Sacramento Kings: A deal involving Malik Monk, another player (possibly Dario Saric), and a lottery-protected first-round pick was also floated but rejected. The Warriors reportedly wanted the pick to be unprotected, a demand that led to the collapse of discussions.
With these trade offers failing to meet Golden State’s demands, it appears the Warriors are now intent on keeping Kuminga or finding a deal that genuinely benefits them.
Patience seems to be the name of the game, as Golden State’s management is unwilling to part with Kuminga unless the offer is substantial.
What’s at Stake for Kuminga?
Kuminga finds himself in an interesting position. While he has reportedly expressed a willingness to accept the qualifying offer and bet on himself, neither side seems enthusiastic about this option.
Golden State’s offer to Kuminga is a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option for the second year. The catch? The Warriors want Kuminga to waive a no-trade clause that would automatically come with this contract.
Kuminga, understandably, isn’t eager to give up his leverage—especially when a trade could potentially lead to more lucrative or stable opportunities down the line.
A Possible Compromise
Kawakami suggested a compromise in the form of a partially guaranteed second year, such as $15 million. This would give Kuminga more guaranteed money, but it would still allow Golden State to maintain flexibility in the future.
However, with October 1 looming as the deadline for Kuminga to accept the qualifying offer, there’s little urgency for either side to make a hasty decision just yet.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
While Golden State has six roster spots to fill, the Kuminga situation seems to be the main priority. Rumors have circulated about the Warriors being in talks with Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, but these moves are tied to Kuminga’s situation. Until his future with the team is settled, the Warriors can’t finalize their roster.
As training camps draw closer, expect more posturing and negotiation between the two sides. The situation is fluid, but for now, it seems Kuminga’s future with the Warriors is likely to remain in flux.
The Jonathan Kuminga trade saga has seen its share of twists and turns, but for now, the Golden State Warriors are committed to keeping the talented forward or finding a trade deal that works on their terms.
While talks have stalled, both sides are likely to continue negotiating until October 1, when the deadline for Kuminga to sign the qualifying offer approaches. Fans of the Warriors and Kuminga alike will be watching closely as this story develops further.
