The Jonathan Kuminga trade saga feels like it’s been going on forever, but here’s the reality: with just over two months left until the 2025-26 NBA season begins, the Golden State Warriors and their talented forward are running out of time to figure this out. Both sides want different things, yet neither can walk away cleanly.
Why Won’t the Golden State Warriors Trade Jonathan Kuminga This Summer?
The Warriors saw something special in Kuminga when they selected the then-18-year-old with the seventh pick in the 2021 draft. His athleticism, explosiveness, and long-range shooting made him one of the most exciting prospects in the nation.
However, four years later, things haven’t really panned out the way the Warriors may have hoped. Still, Golden State isn’t quite ready to give up on the forward, with one NBA insider revealing that the organization has no interest in trading Kuminga.
“The Warriors don’t want Kuminga, and Kuminga doesn’t want to be in The Bay,” wrote The Athletic’s Eric Koreen last week.
On Sunday, another NBA insider provided an update on the current situation. The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami provided a fascinating update on the subject. Kuminga may not want to be a part of the Warriors organization, but the decision is not completely in his hands.
“The word I got when I checked in with a Warriors source on Sunday: Kuminga won’t be traded this summer. He’ll be back on the Warriors’ roster to start the season. And it’ll either come when he signs the Warriors’ offer or accepts the $7.9 million one-year qualifying offer.”
The Golden State Warriors will NOT trade Jonathan Kuminga this summer and plan to have him on the roster next season, per @timkawakami
Warriors owner Joe Lacob remains a fan of Kuminga and will only move him for real value pic.twitter.com/JbE8zMsCoj
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 4, 2025
So it appears Kuminga will not be traded this offseason, according to Kawakami.
What Leverage Do the Warriors Have in Kuminga Contract Talks?
Kuminga, who spent the last four seasons with the Warriors, is a restricted free agent, and Golden State will have a say in his future. Kawakami believes the Warriors will likely extend a qualifying offer or may be interested in a sign-and-trade agreement, which would give them more leverage in the trade market.
Per ESPN, Kuminga has already declined a two-year, $45 million offer from the Warriors this offseason.
Meanwhile, Kuminga has been linked to the Sacramento Kings over the last few weeks, and the Phoenix Suns have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot.
There is plenty of talent on this Warriors roster, but there is no denying that this is an aging lineup. Four-time champions Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are currently 37and 35 years old, respectively. Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler will be 36 next month.
Kuminga showed glimpses of brilliance last season and remains an exciting project. Losing the 22-year-old would be a major blow for a Warriors lineup that needs to think of this season and plan for the future.
