Jonathan Kuminga’s Warriors trade drama reached a critical point in April 2025 as the young forward explicitly declined a return to Golden State, despite a proposed $21 million sign-and-trade offer. The 22-year-old’s refusal stems from his desire for a larger offensive role and more lucrative contract, signaling escalating tension between Kuminga and the Warriors organization.
Rising Conflict in Jonathan Kuminga’s Free Agency Saga
The NBA’s restricted free agency period, often uneventful, has turned into a high-stakes drama centered on Jonathan Kuminga this offseason. Despite the Golden State Warriors’ efforts to keep him, it’s increasingly clear the former seventh overall pick in 2021 wants to move on. Numerous franchises, including the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat, have shown interest in acquiring Kuminga as he seeks to emerge from the shadow of established stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints highlighted the core issue:
“The only problem is that it is known around the league that Jonathan Kuminga doesn’t want to be with the Warriors any longer and instead wants to continue his career elsewhere.”
—Brett Siegel, NBA Insider
This revelation has stirred a flurry of trade talks and speculation. Chicago, in particular, has re-engaged, exploring a potential sign-and-trade deal involving Kuminga and guard Ayo Dosunmu, who recently signed a $21 million extension. This maneuver aims to break the stalemate faced by Golden State and provide Kuminga the offensive spotlight he desires.
Financial Demands and Playing Time Issues Fuel Kuminga’s Departure Wish
The urgency behind Kuminga’s quest for a new team partly lies in his contract expectations. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Kuminga is targeting approximately $25 million per year. Given that the Warriors appear unlikely to meet this figure and his minutes risk being limited due to the crowded roster frontcourt, Kuminga’s patience is understandably limited.
Experts like Trevor Lane have noted how this offseason resembles “watching paint dry,” as salary cap limitations freeze transactions for restricted free agents such as Kuminga, Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas, and Quentin Grimes. Lane expressed his view on the future of these players:
“I keep waiting… At some point, one of these guys is just going to say, ‘I’m taking the qualifying offer,’”
—Trevor Lane, Sports Analyst
Keith Smith supported that idea, adding:
“I think there’s still a chance Jonathan Kuminga ends up a sign-and-trade. There’s been enough buzz.”
—Keith Smith, NBA Commentator
Importantly, if Kuminga accepts the qualifying offer, he gains a one-year no-trade clause, giving him leverage to block any trade during that period. Smith explained the severity of this situation for the Warriors:
“If they are traded, they lose their Bird rights. So anytime you’re on a one-year deal, you can block a trade.”
—Keith Smith, NBA Commentator
Such a scenario would leave Golden State stuck with Kuminga for another season without the benefit of retaining Bird rights, increasing the risk of him departing for nothing in the following offseason.
Trade Rumors Involving Keegan Murray and Interest from Other Teams
Among trade speculations, there were earlier talks of a possible swap involving Kuminga and Sacramento Kings’ Keegan Murray. However, analysts doubt the fit, citing the Kings’ tendency to isolate Murray in non-productive plays. As Keith Smith put it,
“That would be bad in my opinion.”
—Keith Smith, NBA Commentator
The Phoenix Suns have shown interest in Kuminga but reportedly lack the assets and draft capital required to close a deal, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic:
“Unlikely to land him because they lack the draft capital and assets.”
—Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic
Meanwhile, Chicago remains an unpredictable player in this saga. Trevor Lane humorously commented on the Bulls’ handling of Kuminga’s situation, referencing a mock trade deadline event: their strategy was so confusing it warranted recognition for realism in its chaotic approach.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Performance and the Challenge of Golden State’s Roster
Last season, Kuminga showed potential, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while shooting 45.4% from the field. However, he struggled with consistency, notably shooting only 30.5% from three-point range and 66.8% from the free-throw line. For a young player with immense athletic ability, these figures raise concerns about his offensive reliability.
Kuminga’s role with the Warriors has always been somewhat limited due to the presence of superstar veterans. His potential clashes with the possible arrival of new frontcourt players such as Jimmy Butler and Al Horford, who would further congest Golden State’s rotation, particularly at the wing and forward positions.
Gui Santos’ Potential Role if Kuminga Departs
One often overlooked aspect in this drama is the impact on young Brazilian forward Gui Santos. If Kuminga leaves, Santos could fill the gap, offering size and versatility to Golden State’s wing rotation. At 6’7”, he is one of the few players on the roster — besides Butler — with the physical dimensions needed to thrive in that position.
Should Kuminga remain, Santos would face a tough path to playing time, as the Warriors currently carry a surplus of forwards, including Draymond Green, Moody, Butler, and Kuminga himself. The possible showcase of Kuminga before a trade deadline move further limits opportunities for Santos to establish himself.
The Broader Implications for the Warriors’ Future Identity
This situation extends far beyond Jonathan Kuminga alone. The Warriors face a critical juncture, balancing an aging core with the infusion of young talent. Once a dominant dynasty, the team is now piecing together a roster laden with veterans on large contracts and youth whose roles remain uncertain. Failure to manage this transition effectively could relegate Golden State to a “nostalgia-heavy, chemistry-light” squad reminiscent of the 2013 Lakers.
Kuminga represents the crossroads of that challenge: a young athlete with the potential to become a star but only if he receives adequate support and playing time. Since the Warriors are unlikely to commit their franchise’s future around him, a separation appears inevitable and perhaps beneficial for both parties.
Ultimately, Jonathan Kuminga’s refusal to rejoin the Warriors underscores the tension between a rising star eager for opportunity and a rebuilding team constrained by established veterans and salary cap realities. Whether Chicago, Phoenix, or another franchise secures Kuminga, this trade drama marks a pivotal moment for the Golden State Warriors’ roster evolution and long-term trajectory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jonathan Kuminga untouchable?
A. Kuminga can be traded, but the Warriors hold him in high regard.