Jonathan Kuminga’s uncertain contract status with the Golden State Warriors created serious doubts about whether he’d represent his home country this summer. The restricted free agent’s ongoing negotiations seemed to eliminate any chance of international play. But sometimes the heart overrules business calculations, and Kuminga just proved that representing the Democratic Republic of Congo means more to him than contract complexities.
Why Did Jonathan Kuminga Reverse Course on AfroBasket?
The Warriors forward made headlines when MADE Hoops Ngijol Songolo reported his surprising arrival in Kinshasa to join Congo’s national team preparation.
“Jonathan Kuminga has arrived in Kinshasa and is expected to join Congo’s national team as they prepare for AfroBasket this month,” Songolo reported. “Originally absent due to his NBA contract negotiations, he will be a huge addition to a balanced DRC team that went 5-1 in qualifiers.”
Jonathan Kuminga has arrived in Kinshasa and is expected to join Congo’s national team as they prepare for AfroBasket this month.
Originally absent due to his NBA contract negotiations, he will be a huge addition to a balanced DRC team that went 5-1 in qualifiers.
— Ngijol Songolo (@5ongolo) August 1, 2025
This development caught everyone off guard. Just two days earlier, Marc Stein had reported the exact opposite scenario.
“Jonathan Kuminga was on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s preliminary roster for (AfroBasket) in Angola, which starts Aug. 12, but I’m told Kuminga is not expected to play for his national team due to his ongoing restricted free agency stalemate with Golden State,” Stein wrote.
The complete reversal highlights just how much representing Congo means to Kuminga. Despite the ongoing contract uncertainty with Golden State, he chose to prioritize his national team commitment over potentially complicated negotiations.
What Makes Playing for Congo So Important to Kuminga?
Kuminga’s decision becomes clearer when you understand his deep connection to his homeland. In a 2022Â interview with FIBA Basketball, he laid out exactly why wearing his country’s jersey transcends everything else.
“Having somebody who played in the NBA and comes back to play for their country, it means a lot to me. Being born in Congo and then making it to the NBA, it’s a pleasure for me to come here and play for my national team,” Kuminga explained. “Me gaining this chance to play now, it’s a blessing. It’s like a dream come through. Being surrounded by this group of players, I am just trying to learn from everybody and help the team to win.”
But his commitment goes beyond just this tournament. Kuminga made it clear that representing Congo isn’t a one-time thing or something dependent on his NBA situation.
“My commitment for my national team will be forever. I would love to play for my country every single year. As long as I am free in the offseason, I would love to come and play for my national team.”
That “forever” commitment explains why contract negotiations couldn’t keep him away. For Kuminga, this isn’t about timing or convenience. It’s about remembering where he came from and using his NBA platform to inspire the next generation of Congolese players.
His decision also speaks to his character. Most players in his situation might focus entirely on securing their financial future, especially with restricted free agency creating uncertainty. Instead, Kuminga chose to honor his national team commitment, showing that some things matter more than business complications.
The Warriors’ front office will eventually sort out his contract situation. Still, Kuminga’s choice to play for Congo regardless of that uncertainty reveals the kind of person he is off the court. AfroBasket starts August 12, and Congo just got a massive boost from their NBA star, who refused to let contract negotiations override his national pride.
