Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga remains at the center of the team’s offseason strategy, as his unresolved restricted free agency continues to influence how the franchise approaches the market.
On Willard and Dibs, Warriors insider Marc Grandi explained why Golden State has been quiet in free agency so far.
“The [Warriors] want to have all the leverage in this Kuminga situation for themselves,” Grandi said. “So until the Kuminga thing resolves itself, one way or another, they aren’t giving out anything above a vet minimum deal. They’re probably not going to even do a vet minimum deal until the Kuminga situation resolves itself.”
Grandi’s comments highlight the franchise’s calculated approach as they await clarity on Kuminga’s next contract. The team extended him a $7.9 million qualifying offer earlier this summer, making him a restricted free agent and giving the Warriors the right to match any offer sheet.
According to NBA reporter Michael Scotto on Sactown Sports 1140, the market for Kuminga could include sign-and-trade scenarios if a straightforward deal doesn’t materialize.
Scotto noted that teams like the Sacramento Kings have been linked to the 22-year-old, though a trade would likely involve multiple players and possibly a three-team structure. He also dismissed Brooklyn as a likely landing spot despite earlier speculation.
Kuminga’s breakout 2024-25 campaign — where he averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds — has raised his value, but limited cap space around the league may temper the size of his next deal.
For now, Golden State appears content to let the market set his price while keeping flexibility to either retain him or consider a future trade.
