The Golden State Warriors have displayed no enthusiasm for trade proposals made by the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings concerning restricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. The Suns have reportedly extended a four-year, $90 million offer through a sign-and-trade agreement, but the Warriors remain disinterested in the assets being presented in return.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings have proposed a three-year, $63 million contract for Kuminga, along with Warriors guard Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-round pick as part of the compensation package. However, progress between Golden State and Sacramento has stalled because the Warriors want the draft pick to be unprotected, creating a significant sticking point in negotiations.
Current Contract Situation Gives Warriors Leverage in Decision-Making
The Warriors placed a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer on Kuminga, which means they aren’t under immediate pressure to trade him. This leaves Golden State with the option either to wait for a more appealing trade deal or to retain Kuminga as a vital contributor for the 2025-26 season. The team’s flexibility allows them to control the timeline and terms without feeling rushed to accept less favorable deals.
Kuminga’s Career Development and Recent Performance
Selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Jonathan Kuminga contributed to the Warriors’ championship-winning roster during his rookie season primarily in a supporting role. He experienced a breakout in his third season, starting 46 of the 74 games he played, averaging career highs of 16.1 points per game on 52.9 percent shooting, alongside 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Expectations were high for Kuminga to advance further last season, potentially reaching All-Star status; however, he returned to a bench role with only 10 starts in 47 appearances. His statistics remained close to the prior year with 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, although his shooting efficiency declined, dropping to a career-low 45.4 percent from the floor.
Impressive Postseason Showing Boosts Kuminga’s Value
Kuminga’s postseason performance reminded both the Warriors and the wider league of his potential. After star guard Stephen Curry sustained an injury, Kuminga stepped up significantly by averaging 24.3 points on 55.4 percent shooting across the Warriors’ last four playoff games in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This surge likely attracted interest from the Suns and Kings, who see Kuminga as a high-ceiling talent.
Golden State regards him as the third scoring option behind Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, valuing the prospect of having a player with Kuminga’s upside in their offensive hierarchy. This consideration factors heavily into the team’s hesitation to move him unless a truly compelling trade offer arises.
Potential Outcomes and Future Prospects for Kuminga
From Kuminga’s standpoint, if no adequate trade deal materializes, accepting the Warriors’ one-year qualifying offer could be a strategic choice. This move would enable him to enter unrestricted free agency the following offseason, giving him greater control over his career path. Meanwhile, the Warriors continue evaluating the best use of their asset, balancing the desire for a return that matches Kuminga’s potential with the value he adds on their roster.