The Golden State Warriors are confronting a critical decision regarding Jonathan Kuminga’s future as trade rumors intensify ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. indicated on Monday that Kuminga remains a priority for the team, but uncertainty surrounds his role and the organization’s plans for the 22-year-old power forward.
Dunleavy’s comments revealed ongoing indecision, highlighting the team‘s struggle to clearly define Kuminga’s place on the roster amid fluctuating playing time and injuries. He emphasized the need for swift resolution, stating the team will
“figure something out sooner than later.”
Inconsistent Playing Role Fuels Trade Speculation
Kuminga’s role within the Warriors has been unsettled for several seasons, with fluctuating minutes and varying responsibilities limiting his development. Dunleavy acknowledged the inconsistency, saying,
“There were some moments where he wasn’t playing as much, and then the role is bigger. He’s injured. All this up-and-down. … (His role) will probably be necessary to clarify.”
This ambiguity has amplified the urgency for the Warriors to consider trade options, especially as Kuminga is a restricted free agent. Despite showing promising talent—averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45.4 percent shooting last season—Golden State appears hesitant to commit fully to Kuminga as a core piece of their future.
Potential Trade Partners Emerge as Draft Approaches
Interest in Kuminga remains from multiple NBA teams, including the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, according to insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Fischer noted the Bulls’ prior engagement in trade talks that involved Kuminga, remarking,
“This tracks with past interest that the Bulls have shown in Kuminga in previous trade discussions with Golden State over the past two seasons involving players such as Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević.”
The Miami Heat also appear as a likely suitor. Fischer explained,
“There is a belief among some rival teams, for example, that Miami could emerge as a potential Kuminga suitor — among various guards and swingmen that the Heat could target — if Pat Riley and Co. do not win the Durant Trade Sweepstakes.”
Following Kevin Durant‘s move to the Houston Rockets, Miami’s front office might focus on adding versatile players like Kuminga, especially as they seek to improve their roster after the departure of Jimmy Butler to Golden State.
Draft Strategy and Trade Discussions Loom Large
With the 2025 NBA Draft set to begin Wednesday night, the Warriors may explore trade conversations with the Bulls, who hold the No. 12 draft pick. Golden State could consider exchanging Kuminga for the pick or a package involving it, as Chicago has no firm plans for their selection yet.
The Heat’s playoff appearance and need for a roster upgrade following key departures align with their potential interest. At the same time, the Warriors seem motivated to resolve the ongoing uncertainty around Kuminga’s role and the distraction it has caused during the past two seasons.
Implications of a Possible Kuminga Trade
Despite the Warriors’ optimistic references to Kuminga’s “potential” and “future,” it’s clear they struggle to view him as a foundational player. If the organization decides that trading Kuminga before or shortly after the draft is their best option, it may provide clarity for both the team and the player.
Such a move would allow Golden State to address roster needs through incoming draft assets or other trade components. For Kuminga, a trade could open opportunities for a more defined role elsewhere in the league, making the upcoming decisions pivotal for all parties involved.