Buddy Hield completed the entire 2024-25 NBA season as a member of the Golden State Warriors, contributing consistently alongside the team’s core stars. Despite shooting 37% from beyond the arc—slightly below his career average of 40%—Hield appeared in all 82 games, starting 22 of them, and brought reliable spacing and defense under Steve Kerr’s system.
Now midway through his second year on a four-year, $37.7 million contract, Hield continues to integrate well within the Warriors’ roster. Besides his perimeter shooting, he also displayed solid on-ball defense toward the end of the season. Off the court, Hield has strengthened team morale, forming a notable bond with teammate Jimmy Butler and adding to the squad’s chemistry and dynamics.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Uncertain Free Agency Status
While Hield’s place with Golden State appears stable for now, his teammate Jonathan Kuminga faces a more uncertain future. The 22-year-old forward is currently a restricted free agent and remains unsigned in the offseason. Kuminga aspires to develop into a leading player, but the Warriors’ championship-contending lineup, anchored by veterans Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, leaves limited room for him to take on a starring role.
With Golden State focusing on immediate title contention, Kuminga’s path to significant minutes and impact might require a shift to a team offering a larger role, as the Warriors seem set on building around their established leaders and complementary pieces like Hield.
Buddy Hield Shares His View on Kuminga’s Future
As Kuminga’s free agency situation unfolds, Hield openly expressed his thoughts during an ESPN broadcast at the Summer League in Las Vegas, revealing his hopes for Kuminga’s continued presence with the Warriors.
“He’s a worker. We all know JK can play. We would love to have him back; we can’t wait. It’s out of our control. The front office will have to talk and negotiate,”
Hield explained.
“He’s a special talent. Everybody in this league knows he is a special talent, and I hope that he stays and we can go on this run together.”
—Buddy Hield, Golden State Warriors Guard
Hield’s support underlines his strong locker room influence and belief in Kuminga’s abilities, even as the forward weighs his options for the next step in his career.
Challenges and Opportunities in Kuminga’s Path to Stardom
Early last season, Kuminga demonstrated the potential to become a standout player. However, an ankle injury in January sidelined him for two months, interrupting his momentum. Following the addition of Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, Kuminga’s playing time and role diminished as Golden State dialed in its immediate title strategy.
The Warriors’ current roster prioritizes experienced win-now talents to maximize Stephen Curry’s prime years, making Jimmy Butler a key fit. This roster construction limits Kuminga’s chances to emerge as a centerpiece, pushing the team to explore alternative approaches for his development.
Possible Outcomes for Kuminga and the Warriors Moving Forward
Although Hield and others on the team hope Kuminga returns, any agreement will likely include expectations that he may be traded later to find a better situation suited to his growth. For the Warriors, balancing championship ambitions with player development means making strategic roster moves that combine immediate competitiveness with future planning.
Kuminga’s decision this offseason carries significant weight for both his career trajectory and Golden State’s championship hopes, as the franchise navigates how to integrate young talent alongside established stars in pursuit of another title run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jonathan Kuminga a rookie?
A. Kuminga, at 22 years old, was selected as the 7th overall pick by the Warriors in 2021. Following a strong first season, Kuminga contributed to the Warriors’ championship win, which led to a bigger role for him.