The Golden State Warriors are expected to extend a $7.9 million qualifying offer to forward Jonathan Kuminga this offseason, according to sources who spoke with The Athletic.
The move would officially make Kuminga a restricted free agent, giving Golden State the right to match any offers he receives from other teams. While both sides are open to exploring sign-and-trade options, a return to the Bay Area remains on the table.
Kuminga’s future in Golden State is one of the key variables heading into the offseason. Despite flashes of high-level production during the regular season, where he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, the 22-year-old forward found himself on the bench for multiple playoff games as a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision).
Head coach Steve Kerr has struggled to find consistent minutes for the 2021 lottery pick, especially amid lineup chemistry concerns.
However, Kuminga’s value within the organization remains strong, particularly with team owner Joe Lacob, who has been one of his most vocal supporters. Lacob is reportedly unwilling to let the young forward walk without a meaningful return in any potential deal.
“There are certainly things he has to improve on, but he’s 22 years old,” Lacob said. “He’s got a hell of a lot of potential, and I would think he would be a part of our future plans. Now we’ll have to see how the market all shakes out. We have a lot of evaluating to do. Not me necessarily. But everybody, from coaching staff to basketball operations. We’ll kind of sit around and talk about how we want to construct the team for next year and what the situation is with respect to him.”
One of the primary challenges has been Kuminga’s fit alongside other key players, particularly Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. All three players tend to operate inside the arc, limiting floor spacing and disrupting the Warriors’ traditional offensive rhythm. Yet, there is a growing sentiment internally that this trio, when paired with Stephen Curry, deserves more time together to find cohesion.
Butler, who was acquired midseason, has reportedly expressed interest in spending part of the offseason working out with Kuminga to help foster chemistry and understanding between them.
While Kuminga’s long-term fit with the team remains under discussion, the Warriors’ intention to retain control over his future through the qualifying offer suggests that they still view him as a valuable asset, either as a key rotation piece or a trade chip.
Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors Interested In Considering Sign-And-Trade https://t.co/sj3duEXZv9
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 15, 2025
