As August progresses, the situation regarding Jonathan Kuminga remains unresolved, with no clear end in sight. Kuminga, a restricted free agent, has declined the Golden State Warriors’ two-year, $45 million contract offer, which included a team option for the second year. Talks of a sign-and-trade have stalled, reportedly because the Warriors are seeking too high a return for the young forward.
Both the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in acquiring Kuminga, but no agreement has been finalized, deepening the dispute over his future with the Warriors.
Commentators Urge Separation Between Kuminga and Golden State
On a recent episode of Nightcap, former players Shannon Sharpe and Joe Johnson agreed that the time has come for Kuminga and the Warriors to go their separate ways. Johnson remarked,
I think he’s actually ready to move on,
emphasizing Kuminga’s readiness for change. Sharpe added,
If the Warriors are looking to improve … they’re gonna have to trade Kuminga.
He further stated,
I’m not so sure that he trusts them any more,
reflecting Kuminga’s apparent frustration after having his playing time reduced late in the season.
Kuminga’s Performance and Role in Golden State Last Season
Kuminga averaged 15.3 points per game during the previous season, ranking third among Warriors scorers behind Steph Curry, who had 22.6 points per game, and Jimmy Butler, who contributed 17.9 points in 30 games following a mid-season trade. Despite his scoring, Kuminga was notably omitted as a DNP-Coach’s Decision in the Warriors’ play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies and four times in their first-round series versus the Houston Rockets.
The tide turned during the playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when injuries forced the Warriors to depend more heavily on Kuminga. He responded by averaging over 24 points per game across the final four games, demonstrating his capability to handle a larger workload than the team had previously allowed.
Steph Curry’s Comments Signal Possible Departure
Shannon Sharpe suggested that returning to Golden State may no longer be an option for Kuminga, referring to statements made by fellow teammate Steph Curry after the Warriors’ playoff elimination. Curry expressed,
Hope the future’s bright for him, whether it’s here, whether it’s wherever.
Although supportive, Curry’s acknowledgment of Kuminga potentially leaving underscores the unspoken acknowledgement within the team that a separation could be imminent.
Kuminga’s Preferences and Potential Outcomes
ESPN reporter Shams Charania recently revealed that Kuminga favors joining either Sacramento or Phoenix, believing these teams represent a fresh start. Sources say Kuminga expects a more defined role, a guaranteed starting spot, and greater respect and control over his career. If Golden State cannot secure a suitable trade, the player faces returning under a one-year qualifying offer worth $7.9 million.
This qualifying contract remains valid until October 1, after which Kuminga would have the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, finally giving him full freedom to select his next team. With nearly two months remaining before that deadline, fans and analysts alike remain on edge, waiting to see how the Jonathan Kuminga Warriors trade debate will ultimately resolve.