NBA free agency largely feels like it’s already over, even though it just began two weeks ago. Yet, teams around
NBA free agency largely feels like it’s already over, even though it just began two weeks ago. Yet, teams around the league are still waiting to see what happens with Jonathan Kuminga, the Golden State Warriors’ restricted free agent.
Kuminga played last season on a $7.6 million team option, but the 22-year-old is in line to sign an even bigger contract this season. Everyone’s just waiting to learn which team it will be with.
However, according to Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel, “a return to the Warriors continues to be likely.” Yet, it’s possible the Warriors are still looking at this as a short-term agreement, with the possibility of trading him ahead of the NBA trade deadline after he’s hopefully improved his value.
“In Kuminga’s case, a return to the Warriors continues to be likely. Various high-ranking members of the organization would like Kuminga back, including owner Joe Lacob, sources said. Ultimately, the expectation from rival teams around the NBA is that Kuminga will go back to the Warriors with the mutual understanding that he will be moved before the trade deadline in February.
There isn’t a market for him right now, which is why a short-term reunion between Kuminga and the Warriors could be beneficial for both sides. Kuminga could prove his worth during the first few months of the 2025-26 season and rebuild interest around the league, while the Warriors would be able to utilize his full salary instead of 50 percent in sign-and-trade scenarios.”
Kuminga, still just 22, clearly has talent. He wouldn’t have been able to average 15.3 points per game with the Warriors last season without some serious skill.
Yet, since he still offers more untapped potential, the Warriors’ best path at this point may very well be to hold onto him. Who knows? Maybe he takes a gigantic leap forward this offseason, leading to an even stronger return on the Warriors’ investment.
Related: Golden State Warriors linked to former $170 million All-Star in NBA free agency
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