The Golden State Warriors’ summer has been filled with a flurry of trade rumors and offseason speculation surrounding several marquee names, though none more so than former seventh overall pick Jonathan Kuminga.
Now, the saga appears to be coming to an end, at least for the time being, as Kuminga is “strongly considering” accepting Golden State’s one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, which would set him up for unrestricted free agency in 2026, per Jake Fischer.
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Talks on a longer deal have seen little movement since the team pushed a two-year, $45 million structure with a team option in Year 2 and trade-consent restrictions in Year 1, according to Fischer’s report.
Golden State formally tendered the $7.9 million qualifying offer on June 28, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater, preserving matching rights but also putting a clock on the two sides to come to a resolution.
The team’s multiyear proposal has been characterized as two years and roughly $45 million with a team option on the second season, an option type and trade-consent setup that Kuminga’s side has resisted.
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Talks between the sides have been sparse in recent weeks, with no indication that the franchise has moved off the team option.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) brings the ball up court against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson noted on Sept. 2 that the qualifying offer remains the most attractive path for Kuminga if those terms didn’t change. However, with the Oct. 1 deadline approaching to sign the offer, many wondered whether the Warriors will adjust terms or face the risk of a one-year pact that leads to unrestricted free agency next summer.
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If Kuminga signs the qualifying offer, he gains a de facto no-trade clause for the 2025-26 NBA season and reaches the open market without restrictions next July. For Golden State, however, that removes any in-season trade flexibility on potentially moving their best young asset and creates the risk of losing him for nothing.
With an upcoming decision deadline date and the Warriors’ ability to structure the rest of their roster hinging on resolving Kuminga’s cap status, the pressure for both sides to come to an agreement continues to mount.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.