The Golden State Warriors, a team renowned for their success over the past decade, face growing urgency to maximize their remaining competitive window with stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green aging and the 2026 postseason approaching. Central to their strategy this summer is Jonathan Kuminga, a 22-year-old forward who is a restricted free agent after receiving a $7.9 million qualifying offer from Golden State.
While the Warriors hold the right to match any contract offers Kuminga receives, they are actively exploring sign-and-trade deals. In the last 24 hours, the Washington Wizards have entered the hunt for Kuminga, marking an unexpected twist in the Eastern Conference.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported that interest in Kuminga as a fit for Washington’s rebuilding efforts has gained significant traction.
“The idea of Jonathan Kuminga as a possible fit in Washington’s rebuild has gained real momentum, according to league sources,” Anthony Slater wrote. —Anthony Slater, The Athletic
The Wizards, having drafted Tre Johnson sixth overall, are focused on a full rebuild and see potential in pairing Kuminga with another young wing, Bilal Coulibaly. However, Washington lacks the salary cap space to sign Kuminga outright, so any acquisition would likely have to be a sign-and-trade arrangement. Under NBA collective bargaining agreement rules, Golden State would only be able to receive 50% of Kuminga’s outgoing salary in return.
Other teams reportedly interested in Kuminga include the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets, each displaying varying degrees of engagement in the potential trade.
Possible Trade Structures Explored for Kuminga’s Departure
If Kuminga signs a deal worth upwards of $100 million over four years, the Wizards would need to send matching salaries around $12 to $13 million. Corey Kispert, with a salary near $5.7 million, fits financially, yet the Warriors are seeking additional assets.
Slater indicates Golden State is aiming for a package that includes a promising young player plus a first-round draft pick, raising the stakes for Washington. This could involve the Wizards attaching one of their future first-round picks, potentially their 2029 pick obtained from the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, or Portland Trail Blazers, or even returning Golden State’s 2030 pick to enhance the offer.
“The Warriors rejected a Kings offer of Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-rounders, calling it a ‘buy-low attempt.’” —Anthony Slater, The Athletic
The Warriors dismissed an offer from the Sacramento Kings involving Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round draft picks, viewing it as insufficient and an attempt to acquire Kuminga at a discounted value.
Other Franchises Maintain Interest, but Wizards’ Offer Stands Out
While Miami, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Brooklyn maintain interest in Kuminga, Washington stands apart by being able to offer a prominent role and a long-term developmental focus, factors that Kuminga reportedly values highly. This makes the Wizards a more appealing destination despite salary cap constraints and the complexities of a sign-and-trade deal.
Kuminga’s Desire for Increased Responsibility and Role
During the past season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds but saw a reduced role compared to the previous year, starting only 10 games after beginning 46 in the prior season. His decreased playing time, influenced by injuries and consistency issues, led to growing frustration.
“I hate the fact that everybody is telling me be ready, get ready,” Kuminga said in April. “I already know that I’m ready. The more you keep telling me to get ready, it becomes kind of irritating.” —Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors forward
Additionally, league sources suggest Kuminga wants to become
“a featured part of the core”
on his next team, seeking the trust and belief of both the franchise and coaching staff—an environment unlikely to be offered in Golden State but potentially available in Washington.
Warriors’ Approach Moving Forward and Next Steps in Trade Talks
The Golden State Warriors plan to conduct in-person discussions with Kuminga and his representatives during the Summer League in Las Vegas if no trade agreement is finalized beforehand. While a return to Golden State remains possible, momentum appears to be shifting toward other suitors.
Given the limited number of teams with cap space and the scarcity of buyers in this market, Washington seems willing to make a significant investment in Kuminga’s potential. This willingness could prove decisive in completing a trade.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors’ front office face a critical summer of decisions as they balance maintaining competitiveness against the inevitability of roster adjustments in preparation for a post-2026 window.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Jonathan Kuminga speak French?
A. Two of his cousins are professional basketball players. Emmanuel Mudiay plays in Puerto Rico, while Omari Gudul plays in Europe. Kuminga speaks French as his first language, and he is still learning English.