Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga will enter restricted free agency this summer, allowing him either to re-sign with the Warriors or sign an offer sheet with another team. Should Kuminga accept an offer from elsewhere, the Warriors would have 48 hours to match it or let him leave, creating uncertainty around his next destination.
During the 2024-25 regular season, Kuminga played in 47 games, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 45.4% from the field, 30.5% from three-point range, and 66.8% from the free-throw line. The 22-year-old, turning 23 in October, has maintained career averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. An NBA scout suggested that a new environment might benefit the Goma native’s development immensely.
The best thing that happens to him is if they sign-and-trade him,
the scout told Kevin Pelton of ESPN.
Many NBA insiders believe Kuminga is seeking to depart from Golden State, especially after being sidelined by head coach Steve Kerr. According to reports from Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, both Kuminga and the Warriors are anticipated to consider sign-and-trade possibilities this offseason.
A reunion between the sides is still on the table, league sources said,
Slater and Thompson II reported.
But both sides are expected to explore sign-and-trade scenarios, those sources said, which would open up the market and theoretically give Kuminga the contract and fresh start he’d desire while bringing the Warriors back rotation players of immediate value.
Adding context, the Warriors were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, a disappointing end to their season that could influence roster decisions moving forward.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining Kuminga’s career trajectory, as the Warriors weigh their options amid a market that may allow the young forward a fresh start, while the team looks to reinforce its lineup with immediate impact players.