Jonathan Kuminga’s unrestricted free agency is proving to be one of the bigger sagas of the 2025 NBA offseason. The former lottery pick is yet to reach an agreement with the Golden State Warriors, and is reportedly drawing interest from multiple teams around the league.
According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, via a July 17 edition of “The Stein Line” newsletter, one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the negotiations is the fact Kuminga is seeking a deal of “at least” $25 million per season. Considering his limited and often minimal role within Steve Kerr’s rotation, Golden State is unlikely to willingly add such a significant salary to its current cap situation.
“His agent Aaron Turner has held numerous discussions with Warriors officials in Las Vegas, league sources tell The Stein Line, with the hope of securing a contract — even a short-term contract — that pays at least $25 million in average annual salary … whether that’s to stay with the Warriors or switch teams via sign-and-trade,” Fischer reported. “Sources say that the Warriors have expressed reluctance to go that high in price over a long-term agreement while also seeking some level of first-round draft compensation in any theoretical trade that ships Kuminga elsewhere.”
Kuminga played in 47 games for the Warriors last season, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field. However, his inability to secure a legitimate role in the rotation has likely ensured that Golden State is reluctant to commit significant money to him on his next deal.
Nevertheless, the Warriors’ best option may be re-signing Kuminga, and then searching for a viable trade later this season, or even next summer. At least that way, they will hold all the cards and be able to search out a trade return that suits the franchise’s needs.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!