Jonathan Kuminga remains a crucial consideration for the Golden State Warriors as they approach the 2025 offseason, when he will become a restricted free agent. The 22-year-old forward, selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has experienced fluctuating playing time and inconsistent roles under head coach Steve Kerr, contributing to questions about his long-term fit within the team’s championship plans. As the Warriors balance managing salary cap limits under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement while contending with stars like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and newly added Jimmy Butler, a sign-and-trade transaction involving Kuminga is gaining attention.

While Kuminga has shown flashes of athleticism and scoring potential, his tenure has been marked by struggles to secure a consistent role. During the 2025 playoffs, he faced multiple benchings, labeled as DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) in the first round against the Houston Rockets. His chance to rejoin the rotation came after Curry’s hamstring injury in the Western Conference semifinals versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he delivered strong performances, averaging 24.3 points on 55.4% shooting with nearly 39% accuracy from beyond the arc. This demonstrated his ability to be a dynamic scorer and defender, yet his preference for isolation plays over the Warriors’ team-based motion offense has created tension within the coaching staff. An incident against the Portland Trail Blazers highlighted this conflict when Kerr reportedly reacted angrily as Kuminga chose to override Curry and operate independently on offense.

Evaluating Kuminga’s Contract and Fit with the Warriors’ Strategy

As restricted free agency approaches, the Warriors hold the right to match any contract offer Kuminga receives. However, salary restrictions tied to the CBA’s base-year compensation rule and first-apron cap present obstacles to straightforward contracts or sign-and-trade deals. The Warriors’ decision-makers, including general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and owner Joe Lacob—a strong advocate for Kuminga—face a pivotal choice between keeping Kuminga as a prospective cornerstone or trading him to reinforce their current roster needs.

The possibility of losing Kuminga without return is considered unlikely, as Lacob is reportedly determined not to let him depart for nothing. Still, Kuminga’s style, which emphasizes ball dominance, contrasts with the Warriors’ emphasis on ball movement and sharing, an issue intensified by Butler’s presence, which has further diminished Kuminga’s minutes and role. Kerr’s reluctance to entrust Kuminga during critical moments is evident in his playoff decisions, underscoring a mismatch in basketball philosophies. A sign-and-trade could enable Kuminga to join a team where he can assume a larger offensive role. While Kuminga remains the Warriors’ most promising young talent, trading his rights could provide immediate roster improvements to support Golden State’s championship window.

Reasons the Warriors Might Opt to Keep Kuminga

Although trade rumors persist, re-signing Kuminga remains a tangible option. Journalist Anthony Slater notes that financial and contractual hurdles complicate sign-and-trade maneuvers, making re-signing the most straightforward and cautious approach. Lacob’s backing and Kuminga’s strong late-playoff display, especially his 24.3 points per game against Minnesota, reinforce the case for retention as part of a transition plan extending beyond the Curry era.

To keep Kuminga, Kerr would need to integrate him more effectively, potentially in a sixth-man capacity or as a versatile small-ball four, which might require Kuminga to accept a reduced scoring role. While a sign-and-trade seems more probable than Kuminga departing without a contract or on an offer sheet the Warriors decline, the front office is currently examining all avenues with a decision expected by July 2025. Ideally, any trade would secure the Warriors a much-needed center such as Nikola Vučević or Jonas Valančiūnas, or a dependable shooter like Corey Kispert or Cam Johnson, while also acquiring draft assets to ensure future flexibility. For Kuminga, landing with a rebuilding franchise like the Washington Wizards or Chicago Bulls could provide a greater offensive role conducive to his development.

Potential Outcomes for Kuminga’s Next Chapter and the Warriors’ Roster

The future of Jonathan Kuminga with Golden State depends on reconciling his potential with the Warriors’ championship ambitions and salary cap realities. While a continued collaboration remains possible, the likelihood of a sign-and-trade deal sending Kuminga to a team such as the Wizards, Bulls, or Brooklyn Nets is rising. This move would allow the Warriors to optimize their roster around Curry, Butler, and Green, while giving Kuminga a chance to flourish in a role better suited to his strengths. As the offseason unfolds, the landscape for Kuminga’s market and Golden State’s roster construction will become clearer, though his eventual departure seems increasingly probable given the Warriors’ focus on maximizing their current championship window and the challenge of fitting him consistently within their system.