Trade rumors involving Jonathan Kuminga have intensified as the Golden State Warriors prepare for the 2025 NBA Draft and upcoming free agency period. Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy recently addressed the media, emphasizing the urgent need to finalize Kuminga’s future while the team strategizes for the next season to remain competitive. The heightened speculation comes as Kuminga approaches restricted free agency after completing his initial four-year contract with Golden State.
Following an offseason that included a high-profile acquisition of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors aimed to strengthen their championship prospects last year but fell short in the playoffs after losing Stephen Curry to a hamstring injury. With new challenges ahead, the organization is at a crossroads, balancing hopes for immediate success with decisions about key young players, including Kuminga.
Mike Dunleavy Focused on Quick Decisions Regarding Key Players
Mike Dunleavy made clear his intention to resolve the situation involving Jonathan Kuminga promptly. Speaking about the restricted free agent, Dunleavy said,
I think we’re in a good spot with it, honestly. We have the ability to bring him back, he’s restricted, and you know, I think there’ll be good dialogue and I’d like to figure something out sooner than later, that’d be great.
His comments illustrate the importance of clear communication between the management and Kuminga to establish the player‘s commitment to the Warriors.
In addition to Kuminga, Dunleavy discussed other roster concerns, expressing the need for cooperation from the coaching staff, particularly Steve Kerr. Despite Kuminga’s impressive performances during Stephen Curry’s injury absence—including three consecutive games scoring over 20 points—there remains uncertainty about how the coaching staff views his long-term fit. Dunleavy added,
I talk with the players, Steve does sometimes, he connects with you know our players on our roster too. I mean, you have all these conversations in JK’s position being an incumbent player it’s a little bit more known, but yeah, I think some of those conversations will need to happen…
Additional Trade Candidates and Player Health Updates
Kuminga is not the only young talent whose status is under review. Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski have also been mentioned as potential trade pieces. Both players recently recovered from injuries and are expected to be ready for training camp, as Dunleavy confirmed:
Yeah on the health front there for sure those guys, had successful procedures, and you know nothing major, which is good. And they’ll be able to get back and definitely be ready by training camp.
Despite positive health updates, the Warriors have not yet guaranteed their roles in the upcoming season.
Strategy Shift: Warriors Consider Trading Young Stars to Boost Championship Chances
Previously, the Warriors sought to maintain their young core, even missing out on notable players like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen through past trade pursuits. However, recent reports indicate a strategic pivot toward leveraging young assets for immediate roster improvements. Veteran reporter Pasha Mardan reported that the Warriors have contemplated trade packages involving Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, signaling a willingness to move key young players.
The Golden State Warriors have internally discussed packaging Moses Moody in Sign & Trade scenarios with Jonathan Kuminga.
Moody’s contract, entering its first year of a three-year, $37.5 million deal, enhances his value as a trade asset. Similarly, Brandin Podziemski’s contract—with a $3.7 million salary next season and a $5.7 million player option for 2026-27—positions him as an attractive component for teams aiming to contend immediately.
Ownership Supports GM’s Authority in Making Critical Roster Moves
The Warriors’ majority owner, Joe Lacob, appears to have entrusted key roster decisions to Mike Dunleavy. Lacob has conveyed confidence in Dunleavy’s judgment about the team’s direction, particularly regarding trade decisions affecting the future core. Dunleavy shared,
But again, we have to look at what makes our team best, and that’s really up to Mike (Dunleavy) to make those decisions and to recommend to ownership what to do.
This endorsement aligns with a clear organizational focus on maximizing the team’s chances of immediate success, even if it means moving promising young talent like Kuminga and Podziemski.
Implications of Trading Jonathan Kuminga for the Warriors’ Future
Trading Jonathan Kuminga would represent a significant shift in the Warriors’ roster construction philosophy, trading youthful potential for possibly more established stars or assets that align with their goal of winning a championship in the near term. Kuminga’s emergence as a capable and dynamic player during crucial playoff moments underscored his value, but the franchise’s priority seems to lean toward reshaping the team quickly to remain a formidable contender.
The decisions made in the coming weeks regarding Kuminga, Moody, and Podziemski will influence not only the Warriors’ roster but also their competitive trajectory. With the 41st pick in the draft still to be utilized, Golden State’s choice to either retain their young prospects or trade them for veteran talent will be central to their strategy as the NBA season approaches. Dunleavy’s emphasis on timely dialogue and resolution highlights the urgency of these moves in defining the Warriors’ identity for years ahead.