Jonathan Kuminga’s impressive performance during the playoffs has become a crucial factor in the Golden State Warriors’ ongoing contract talks with the young forward. After Stephen Curry suffered an injury in the Western Conference Semifinals in 2025, Kuminga stepped up and delivered key contributions, prompting the Warriors to prioritize keeping him on the roster.
Although Kuminga’s playoff heroics have been notable, contract negotiations remain unresolved nearly two weeks into free agency, as the team carefully evaluates his overall value and role moving forward.
Reasons Behind the Delay in Finalizing Kuminga’s Contract
Kuminga, who has been part of the Warriors for four seasons, has shown significant growth, especially in his recent campaigns. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. highlighted that Kuminga’s true impact was most evident during this year’s playoffs, directly influencing the team’s eagerness to re-sign him.
During the 2024-25 regular season, Kuminga showed promise by averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 47 games. However, a serious ankle injury disrupted his momentum, causing him to miss substantial playing time. His minutes further declined late in the season, partly due to veteran Jimmy Butler assuming a larger role.
Kuminga missed critical contests, including the final regular-season game and the Play-In Tournament match, raising concerns about his fit within the Warriors’ veteran-heavy lineup.
Despite these setbacks, Kuminga demonstrated his scoring ability when it mattered most. With Curry sidelined during the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kuminga averaged 26.3 points on 51.9% shooting across the final three games, emerging as the team’s most dependable scorer.
“When Steph went down he stepped up and that was admirable from JK’s standpoint and that’s a big reason why we wanna bring him back.” — Mike Dunleavy Jr., Warriors GM
This clutch performance reflected the promise that made Kuminga the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and reinforced the Warriors’ commitment to retaining their young forward.
Golden State’s Strategic Advantage in Negotiations
The question remains why Kuminga’s contract has not been finalized yet. The Warriors hold significant leverage by controlling his rights as a restricted free agent, allowing them to match any offer he receives from other teams. Additionally, few prospective suitors have the cap space or financial flexibility to present a compelling proposal to Kuminga.
This control also benefits Golden State in trade discussions, as the team can afford to hold out for the highest possible return and avoid rushing into a deal. Interested teams are aware that the Warriors have no urgent need to move Kuminga.
Kuminga reportedly hopes for a contract near $30 million per year, which would rank him behind only Curry and Butler on the Warriors’ salary chart. However, his current status in the league has not yet justified such a high salary. Still, given the Warriors’ persistent interest, the final deal is expected to fall in the $20–25 million range.
The Impact of Kuminga’s Role on the Warriors’ Future
Jonathan Kuminga’s ability to deliver under playoff pressure has positioned him as a vital piece in Golden State’s evolving team dynamic. His blend of scoring and defense offers the Warriors a promising option to fill gaps left by aging stars and injuries. As the organization weighs its options in the coming days, Kuminga’s contract discussions will likely set the tone for roster construction in the near future.
Kuminga’s development and postseason contributions also suggest that the Warriors will continue to build around a core that includes Curry, Butler, and the emerging forward, securing a foundation to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Jonathan Kuminga have a ring?
A. According to Basketball Reference, the Warriors chose Kuminga as the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA draft. In his first year, he helped the team win an NBA championship.
Q. Is Jonathan Kuminga a rookie?
A. Kuminga, aged 22, was picked as the 7th player in the 2021 draft by the Warriors. His first season showed promise, and after aiding the Warriors in securing the championship, he gained a bigger role.