Jonathan Kuminga`s future with the Golden State Warriors is a significant question ahead of the 2025 NBA free agency period. There`s a widely held belief that the Warriors may part ways with the former No. 7 overall draft pick, likely through a sign-and-trade agreement, and the market for his services is reportedly expanding. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, six teams are showing varying degrees of interest in Kuminga: the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets.
Of the interested parties, the Kings and Wizards are reportedly showing the most momentum. Sacramento reportedly proposed a package involving Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks, but the Warriors were apparently unreceptive to what they perceived as a low valuation. Washington, meanwhile, entered discussions recently and is emerging as a strong potential destination for Kuminga as they seek key pieces for their rebuild.
The Bulls and Heat were previously considered potential candidates to pursue Kuminga. Chicago reportedly discussed a trade centered around him near the trade deadline last season, while Miami could still be in the market after missing out on Kevin Durant, who was reportedly their primary target.
Golden State made Kuminga a restricted free agent last week by extending a $7.9 million qualifying offer. This gives the Warriors the ability to match any offer sheet he signs, but exploring the sign-and-trade path could be a strategic move if it allows them to acquire needed veteran talent. With a core featuring Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors would benefit from adding another proven and more reliable contributor to bolster their lineup for contention.
Despite flashing clear and enticing potential, Kuminga has yet to fully solidify a consistent role within the Warriors` rotation. He saw limited minutes at times last season but earned increased playing time later in the year and capitalized on the opportunity, showing improved performance down the stretch of the regular season.
His untapped upside makes Kuminga an attractive sign-and-trade candidate for other teams. At just 22 years old, he has already demonstrated moments of high-level play. The athletic forward, who played in the G League Ignite program before being drafted, contributed to Golden State`s NBA championship run in 2022 and has continued to develop, achieving career-best statistical averages in the 2023-24 season with 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Should the Warriors not receive a suitable trade offer, they retain the option to keep Kuminga heading into the next season. They could potentially explore trading him at a later date or rely on his continued development into a more consistent role player or starter.
Jasper Hawthorne