The Golden State Warriors’ 2024-25 campaign concluded with a defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, finishing in five games after Steph Curry was sidelined post-Game 1. Despite the early exit, the series showcased promising signs for the team, particularly due to Jonathan Kuminga’s strong performance, which has sparked fresh optimism regarding his Warriors future and contract update this offseason.
Kuminga, 22, demonstrated impressive offensive output throughout the series, averaging 20.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game against Minnesota. He excelled notably in the final three games, putting up 26.3 points on 51.9% shooting, standing out as Golden State’s most dependable scorer during those critical contests. This surge comes at a crucial time, as Kuminga enters restricted free agency, positioning himself to negotiate a favorable contract this summer. However, the question remains whether the Warriors will be the team to offer it.
Since being selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga has faced challenges cementing a consistent role within the Warriors’ roster. Coaching decisions, such as head coach Steve Kerr’s choice not to play him even briefly in the final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Clippers, fueled speculation about his standing in the organization and suggested a possible departure via sign-and-trade.
Recent reports from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reveal that financial constraints, including the base-year compensation rule and apron cap limitations, could influence the team’s decisions this offseason. The base-year compensation rule means that for salary-matching purposes in a trade, the incoming salary is counted as only 50% of Kuminga’s outgoing salary. Combined with the Warriors’ proximity to the salary cap apron, this significantly restricts potential sign-and-trade deals, especially because other players’ salaries would count at full value in such transactions.
The Warriors’ front office, Kuminga’s representatives and the league are expected to explore all options into July. But team sources have been hinting that, because of these market and financial restrictions, there’s a likely world where the most obvious and prudent path is for them to bring Kuminga back and figure the rest out later.
—team sources
If Golden State opts to re-sign Kuminga, he would not be eligible for trade until December, providing the organization with additional time to evaluate his fit and progress within the team before making longer-term decisions.
Draymond Green Shares His Views on Kuminga’s Position Within the Warriors
Veteran forward Draymond Green has voiced opinions on Kuminga’s trajectory and future with Golden State, adding another layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding the young player. Green’s perspective reflects the internal sentiment and potential for Kuminga to grow into a larger role as the Warriors navigate their roster construction amid financial and competitive pressures.
The evolving context of Kuminga’s contract talks and his recent playoff performance highlight a pivotal moment not just for the player but for the Warriors’ roster strategy. How Golden State manages these financial rules and Kuminga’s potential will influence their ability to sustain competitiveness as they look ahead.