The Golden State Warriors are willing to move on from Jonathan Kuminga, despite showing a lot of potential in his first four years. This offseason, negotiating a new contract with Kuminga has been the top priority for the Warriors. They want to give him a good contract that would make it easier for them to trade him during the season. The last offer that Golden State made for the free agent forward was a two-year, $45 million contract.
However, just like the earlier offers they presented to the youngster, he declined the offer. Kuminga reportedly wants to sign a contract that would allow him to earn $30 million a year. But giving the forward such a contract could make it difficult for the management to move him in the future.
Amid the tense standoff between Kuminga and the Warriors, former NBA player Richard Jefferson gave his take.
Jefferson talked about the Golden State Warriors’ situation with Kuminga on the latest episode of his show, “Road Trippin’.” The 2016 champion acknowledged the potential that the forward has, comparing him to Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green.
“All of the talent in the world. All of the talent. But still needs more hours to learn how to play basketball. Needs to learn more, like an IQ,” Jefferson commented.
“All of the talent is there. If you’re Houston, why would you trade this young kid that can average 20? He was the number two pick. He’s developing—skill-wise and talent-wise—into a 20-point-a-game scorer,” he added.
You don’t just give up on him. But there’s still so much growth and maturity that needs to take place in Jalen Green. But all of the talent is there. And you know, I look at Jonathan Kuminga as the exact same.”
Kuminga has shown that he can be a top player on a team. However, the Warriors haven’t given him a chance to shine on his own.
Kuminga could be part of the Golden State Warriors’ roster next season
Kuminga wants to move on with his career with a different organization and move on from the Golden State Warriors. He might, however, begin the 2025–2026 campaign with the team that selected him in the draft.
According to NBA insider Sam Amick, the Warriors are “signaling” that Kuminga might still be in their roster for next season.
“And yes, as @timkawakami reported, the Warriors are indeed signaling that they expect Kuminga to be on their roster next season. That being said, nearly two months remains before his qualifying offer deadline (Oct. 1). Plenty of time for something to change here,” Amick posted on X.
Last season, Kuminga appeared in 47 games, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Additionally, the addition of Jimmy Butler last season caused him to be benched. That could be the same case if he’s still with the Warriors next season.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
