The restricted free agency market for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is beginning to take shape, with multiple teams, including the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans, showing interest in exploring sign-and-trade scenarios to a cquire the 22-year-old forward.
While the Warriors haven’t closed the door on bringing Kuminga back, they are reportedly open to executing a sign-and-trade deal if the return package surpasses what they’d gain by simply re-signing him.
The process is expected to be prolonged, as restricted free agency often involves drawn-out negotiations and offer sheet considerations.
Kuminga, represented by Aaron Turner, averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season, along with a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 15.6.
He was originally selected by Golden State with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft following a stint with the G League Ignite.
Though Kuminga has shown flashes of high-level potential, his development has been somewhat inconsistent, in part due to a stylistic mismatch with Steve Kerr’s offensive system.
The Warriors’ ball-movement-heavy, read-and-react style has at times limited Kuminga’s ability to thrive as an isolation scorer and downhill attacker.
Furthermore, the midseason addition of Jimmy Butler has added complexity to the Warriors’ forward rotation, crowding lineups that already include Draymond Green.
The lack of floor spacing in those configurations made Kuminga’s role even less defined, further prompting speculation that a change of scenery might benefit both sides.
Interested teams likely view Kuminga as a high-upside talent who could blossom with a bigger role and more tailored system, making him one of the more intriguing young players available via sign-and-trade this offseason.
Heat, Bulls, Kings, Pelicans Interested In Jonathan Kuminga https://t.co/cTMAJvOdXE
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 30, 2025
