Keep Him or Trade Him: Kuminga’s Off-Season Outlook with the Dubs

The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga are heading into a complicated and potentially defining offseason. Reports have painted an unclear picture of the team's intentions—some suggest the Warriors want to keep Kuminga, while others hint they’re open to parting ways. What complicates the situation further is Golden State’s tight salary cap position. With limited flexibility and looming tax penalties, the team may be forced to choose between developing young talent and maintaining a financial balance.

Jonathan Kuminga is just 22 years old and has shown considerable flashes of promise in his four seasons with the Warriors. His combination of size, athleticism, and upside makes him one of the more intriguing young players in the league. Over his career, he’s averaged 12 points and four rebounds in just 22 minutes per game, numbers that suggest he’s been productive despite limited playing time. This past season looked like it could be his breakout campaign before an ankle injury sidelined him for 31 games. Even so, Kuminga managed to average 15 points and four rebounds per game, including multiple 30-point performances, one of which came in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Before the start of the 2024–25 season, the Warriors and Kuminga were reportedly working toward a contract extension. Negotiations ultimately stalled, with Kuminga opting to bet on himself by playing out the season. According to reports, he was seeking a contract worth around $35 million annually, while Golden State was only willing to offer up to $30 million. That valuation gap might now play a major role in his free agency, as rival teams evaluate whether he’s worth the higher price tag.

As a restricted free agent, Kuminga will have the opportunity to meet with other teams and sign an offer sheet. However, the Warriors retain the right to match any contract he receives. Golden State currently has ten players under contract and roughly $35 million to spend before crossing the NBA’s second luxury tax apron, a financial threshold that could severely limit their ability to add talent or make trades. If a team like the Brooklyn Nets were to offer Kuminga the full $35 million he desires, the Warriors may be forced to let him walk. Anything at or below $30 million per year, however, seems like a price they’d be comfortable matching.

Despite trade speculation surrounding Kuminga, a sign-and-trade deal this summer appears unlikely. Due to league trade rules, the Warriors would only be able to send out 50% of his contract’s value in return salary, making it difficult to bring back equal talent. This kind of imbalance would limit the quality of players Golden State could realistically acquire. While a trade may still happen later in the season if Kuminga is re-signed, the Warriors are unlikely to make such a move during the summer window, unless something unexpected develops.

The bigger question is how the Warriors truly view Kuminga within their long-term plans. His minutes have been inconsistent, and he’s often been benched during key moments, even in games he started. That usage raises concerns about whether the coaching staff fully trusts him in high-pressure situations. Combine that with the stalled contract talks, and it's fair to wonder if the front office sees him as a franchise building block—or simply a promising but expendable asset.

Still, it’s important to remember that Kuminga is only 22 years old and has plenty of room to grow. He’s shown significant development, especially in his scoring ability, which has become his most reliable asset. At six-foot-seven with elite athleticism and a growing perimeter game, Kuminga has the potential to be a high-level two-way player. His slashing ability, in particular, is already among the best in his age group, and with continued improvement on the defensive end and beyond the arc, he could evolve into an All-Star caliber talent.

This is an unfortunate situation for such a young and talented player to find himself in, caught between a franchise transitioning out of its dynasty era and a league full of teams where his value is varied. Whether the Warriors decide to keep him or move on, the stakes are high for both sides. Golden State’s decision will say a lot about how they plan to balance youth development with a win-now urgency. For Kuminga, this offseason may determine whether he becomes the face of a franchise or just another promising player stuck in the shadows.