Jonathan Kuminga’s playoff heroics might have lit up his Golden State Warriors career, but his bank account is still waiting for the payoff.
When Stephen Curry went down in the Western Conference Semifinals, Kuminga stepped into the spotlight and delivered exactly what the Warriors needed. Now, nearly two weeks into free agency, that clutch performance has become the foundation of Golden State’s pitch to keep their young forward.
Why Haven’t the Warriors Locked Up Jonathan Kuminga Yet?
Kuminga has been with Golden State for four seasons and has shown massive improvements in the last two campaigns. However, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. noted that the key moment he displayed his worth was during the playoffs this year, and that’s why the Warriors want to re-sign him.
The 2024-25 season started with promise for Kuminga, and at times, he delivered. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 47 regular-season games. But his season was marred by a significant ankle injury that kept him out of action for long stretches.
Late in the year, his minutes dipped, especially with Jimmy Butler taking on a larger role. Kuminga missed key games, including the regular-season finale and Play-In Tournament matchup, only deepening the questions about his fit on a veteran-heavy Warriors roster.
Still, when the lights were brightest, Kuminga answered the call. After Stephen Curry went down with an injury in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged 26.3 points on 51.9% shooting in the final three games.
Jonathan Kuminga Vs Timberwolves Minnesota
Playoffs Game 2
18 points 🏀
26 minutes 🎥🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/YFgsBnR7zR
— 243 Comps 🎥🇨🇩 (@243Comps) May 9, 2025
With Curry sidelined, he became the team’s most reliable scorer, flashing the two-way potential that made him the No. 7 pick in 2021 and has now convinced the Warriors to retain him.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. on Jonathan Kuminga: “When Steph went down he stepped up and that was admirable from JK’s standpoint and that’s a big reason why we wanna bring him back.”
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) July 12, 2025
“When Steph went down, he stepped up, and that was admirable from JK’s standpoint, and that’s a big reason why we wanna bring him back,” Dunleavy said.
What Leverage Do the Warriors Have in Contract Talks?
If that’s the case, the question becomes why the Warriors haven’t signed him yet. Golden State can afford to be patient because it controls Kuminga’s rights as a restricted free agent. They can match any offer sheet he signs with another team, and most potential suitors simply don’t have the financial flexibility to make a compelling offer.
This leverage extends to potential trade scenarios as well. If the Warriors decide to move Kuminga, they can wait for the best possible return rather than accepting a lowball offer. Teams interested in acquiring him know that Golden State isn’t under pressure to make a quick decision.
While Kuminga had been hoping for a deal that could reach $30 million annually, potentially making him the third-highest-paid Warrior behind Curry and Butler, his current standing in the league hasn’t quite justified that number. However, given the Warriors’ repeated commitment to retaining Kuminga, he may well get something around $20-25 million.
The warriors U.S. hesitant to trade kuminga because they realized his potential.
Solution: resign kuminga and trade Kerr. Kerr’s Ego is the problem. Why can’t he be like a father helping rather than clash ego with players,