The Golden State Warriors have explored sign-and-trade scenarios for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga but have yet to make progress, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Katz reported that the front office has been active in gauging league-wide interest but has encountered challenges due to cap restrictions and a niche rule in the CBA.
At the center of the issue is “base-year compensation,” a provision that impacts how Kuminga’s salary is calculated in outgoing versus incoming trade math.
This rule complicates the Warriors’ ability to match salaries in a sign-and-trade, reducing flexibility in negotiations and stalling talks with interested teams.
Katz wrote that Golden State has not gained traction despite exploring deals and that a re-signing remains the most likely outcome.
The 22-year-old forward remains unsigned but has a $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Warriors that he can accept at any time before October 1.
If he accepts that offer, Kuminga would play next season on a one-year deal with a built-in no-trade clause—giving him leverage and control over potential in-season movement.
One executive told The Athletic that Kuminga’s market value is difficult to gauge, calling the mismatch between his contract and trade value “the most misaligned” among the current group of restricted free agents.
Katz noted that league respondents floated short-term contract ideas, including a two-year, $45 million deal or a three-year, $53.5 million agreement with a player option.
These figures would give the Warriors additional tradable salary while avoiding long-term financial constraints.
One front-office source said Kuminga’s skill set as a wing makes him a candidate for at least midlevel exception money, adding that his age and athleticism give him value around the league.
The former lottery pick averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last season and showed improved efficiency in extended minutes after the All-Star break.
Head coach Steve Kerr reportedly views Kuminga as a key piece for the upcoming year, especially as Golden State plans to manage minutes for its veteran core.
With no viable sign-and-trade options emerging and October 1 approaching, the focus now shifts to whether Kuminga accepts the qualifying offer or reaches a short-term deal.
