The Golden State Warriors appear open to a sign-and-trade involving forward Jonathan Kuminga, but sources indicate that completing a deal may take longer than expected. This delay is largely due to the Warriors insisting on receiving substantial returns, complicating negotiations despite multiple NBA teams expressing interest.
Multiple Teams Express Interest but Hesitate Over Warriors’ High Asking Price
NBA insider Zach Lowe shared on The Zach Lowe Show that teams pursuing Kuminga might be discouraged by the Warriors’ demands, which reportedly include a promising young player and a first-round draft pick. Kuminga’s inconsistent performance during the 2024-25 season, where he played only 47 games without significant improvement, further adds to teams’ reservations.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, and Sacramento Kings have all shown interest in acquiring the 22-year-old forward. However, the Warriors remain reluctant to trade Kuminga to the Kings, despite their pursuit.
Complex Salary and Compensation Rules Add to the Trade Challenges
Lowe highlighted the complications posed by the NBA’s base year compensation rules, which require careful salary matching in trades. These rules may force teams trading for Kuminga to send additional assets to offset salary disparities, effectively raising the cost of the deal beyond what some teams are willing to pay.
“And from what I’ve heard in the Jonathan Kuminga situation, I’m not sure what you’ve heard, this might take a while because I think the Warriors want real stuff back, like a decent young player, a first-round pick,”
—Zach Lowe, NBA Insider
“And the team that’s getting Kuminga is like, ‘Well, because of the base year compensation rules, which are super complicated, there’s got to be salary kind of flying around the league. If we’re dumping money to get Kuminga, like the team we’re dumping to might ask us for another pick. And at that point, the price is just a little rich for our blood,'”
—Zach Lowe, NBA Insider
Implications of the Delay for Kuminga’s Future and Warriors’ Offseason Plans
This drawn-out process could affect the Warriors’ roster construction and Kuminga’s career trajectory as the offseason progresses. With other players, including De’Anthony Melton and veteran Al Horford, also linked to the Warriors amid free agency speculation, Golden State faces critical decisions that could reshape the team. The timing and terms of a deal involving Kuminga will be closely watched as the league hopes for clarity on his next destination.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Jonathan Kuminga have a ring?
A. The Warriors chose Kuminga as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. In his first season, he secured an NBA championship with the team.
Q. Is Jonathan Kuminga a rookie?
A. In 2021, the Warriors selected 22-year-old Kuminga as the seventh overall draft pick. His impressive first season led to a bigger role, especially after aiding the team in winning the championship.