There’s a chance that free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga will return to the Golden State Warriors this summer. There have been rumors that a possible sign-and-trade could be the means for Kuminga to secure a lucrative deal in his next contract. The 6-foot-8 forward is a restricted free agent, and the Warriors have the option to match whatever deal is offered.
On Monday, NBA insider Anthony Slater revealed that it’s likely Kuminga will be back with the team for the 2025-26 season. While he has gained interest from the Sacramento Kings, an offer hasn’t been made for the athletic forward. The Athletic’s reporter talked about the possibility of the 22-year-old’s return to the Bay Area.
“I would say that’s the likeliest scenario at this point,” Slater hinted. “Because I just — I’m not sure he’s gonna get to be able to muscle his way to a point where he gets the dollar amount that he wants, while also the Warriors get the trade package they want.
“That’s the thing, a team like the Kings, for example. They not only have to give the Warriors a sign-and-trade package that they agree to, but they also have to then commit to an amount of money to pay Jonathan Kuminga. You have to check both boxes.
“If you don’t, then either Kuminga is gonna say no or the Warriors are gonna say no. It just doesn’t seem — both of those sides seem a little dug in and I just think it kind of works against each other.”
Sacramento has been linked to Jonathan Kuminga, but @anthonyVslater believes the forward is most likely to stay put.
"I think all of the market dynamics at play will lead him back to the Warriors at a compromise contract that can potentially be traded on December 15th." pic.twitter.com/OdK7DdzmP5
— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) July 8, 2025
Slater believes the Golden State Warriors and Kuminga will agree to a compromise contract. But he hinted that the potential contract he could get with the Warriors might lead him to a trade on Dec. 15.
Golden State Warriors’ head coach pays tribute to 6-foot-9 big man
This offseason marks the end of an era, after Kevon Looney agreed to sign a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. After 10 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, the 6-foot-9 big man left the team that drafted him.
Fans, his former teammate and the organization were emotional when it was reported that he’ll play for a different team starting next season. As the news became official, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sent a video message on Monday, thanking Looney for his time with the team.
“Hey, Loon. Just want to say thank you,” Kerr said. “This is a tough one. Ten years. It’s just been an amazing experience for me to coach you. Just your professionalism, your dignity, your class, the way you handled yourself, the way you mentor your young teammates.”
From: Coach Kerr
To: Kevon Looney pic.twitter.com/L4emDH3S6P— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 7, 2025
Kerr was grateful for Looney, who helped the Golden State Warriors win three NBA championships.
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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.
