The Golden State Warriors entered the second round of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs riding high after a gritty 4-3 series win over the Houston Rockets. Hopes were sky-high in the Bay Area, but those dreams came crashing down when they ran into a relentless Minnesota Timberwolves squad. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to injury, the Warriors struggled to keep pace and were eliminated in five games, 4-1.
Amid the disappointment, veteran forward Draymond Green, who averaged 9.1 points this postseason, had a brutally honest message about his young teammate Jonathan Kuminga.
Draymond Green Gets Real About Jonathan Kuminga’s Future
In the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis,” the outspoken forward took a moment to publicly back Kuminga, emphasizing the young star’s value and potential amid growing free agency buzz.
“We all have our peaks and our valleys. And the reality is, what he said is correct. I love the way he handled it. One thing’s for certain — I said this in my exit interview — whether it’s here or somewhere else, he’s going to get paid, and he’s going to have a very bright future.”
“So I don’t think he has anything to worry about. Everybody knows what he’s capable of. He will get paid here, or he will get paid somewhere else. That’s it. And that’s all. I think the future for him is as bright as it’s ever been,” said Green regarding Kuminga.
Green’s support comes at a pivotal moment for Kuminga, who will enter the offseason as a restricted free agent following the expiration of his four-year, $24.85 million rookie contract.
Kuminga’s 2024-25 regular season was anything but smooth. He appeared in only 47 games due to a lingering ankle injury that sidelined him for much of the year. When he finally returned, his role on the team had noticeably diminished.
The midseason addition of veteran Jimmy Butler III added depth but also complicated the rotation, pushing Kuminga further down the order.
But everything changed once the playoffs hit, especially after Curry went down with a Grade 1 hamstring strain in Game 1 of the second round.
With the Warriors’ leader out, Kuminga stepped up in a big way. Logging more minutes and taking on a larger offensive load, the 22-year-old forward showcased his versatility and athleticism. During the 2024-25 playoffs, Kuminga averaged an impressive 15.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
“He has my utmost love and support because I want to see him do well. In an ideal world, that would be here, but this game we play and this world we’re in and this business we’re in, it ain’t always ideal. We’ll see what happens, but definitely wishing him the best of luck with his free agency,” said Green about Kuminga in his exit interview.
As the offseason begins, the Warriors’ front office has some big decisions to make. With Kuminga’s restricted free agency status, Golden State has the right to match any offers he receives—but the question is whether they’ll be willing to invest in his future.
Kuminga Will Be Important for the Warriors This Offseason
The Warriors weren’t able to fully tap into Kuminga’s potential during the 2024-25 season. However, heading into the offseason, the young forward appears set to play a much more significant part — not necessarily on the court, but in shaping the Warriors’ future moves.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Warriors see Kuminga as a valuable asset this offseason, especially in trade discussions.
With Curry still leading the charge, Green continuing to anchor the defense, and Butler’s potential arrival, Golden State is clearly focused on maximizing its championship window.
"One key player to keep an eye on … right now is forward Jonathan Kuminga."@ShamsCharania on how the Warriors plan to reshape their roster in the offseason for a return to success. pic.twitter.com/atSNNVIHx6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter)
“One key player to keep an eye on on this roster right now is forward Jonathan Kuminga. I’m told he’s going to have a strong sign-and-trade market coming up. He’s an exciting young wing player.”
“Both sides are expected to have conversations commencing over the next several weeks ahead of free agency to see if there is a potential sign-and-trade landing spot that gives him a lucrative deal while also potentially bringing the Warriors some additional help for their roster so that both sides end up as winners,” Charania said on SportsCenter.
Kuminga averaged 15.3 points per game during the 2024-25 regular season. If the Warriors decide to move him in a deal this summer and he’s able to stay healthy, he could become a major contributor for his next team.
