Warriors Insider Makes Candid Jonathan Kuminga Statement During Free Agency

Warriors Insider Makes Candid Jonathan Kuminga Statement During Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

It's been a rather underwhelming free agency period for the Golden State Warriors.

The team was brilliant after the trade deadline this past season, proving they have the talent to compete for a title behind the play of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.

The aging star trio needs complementary talent, however, and the offseason was an opportunity for the Warriors' front office to build the ideal roster.

Instead, Golden State has yet to make any moves, and Jonathan Kuminga remains a restricted free agent.

The two sides explored sign-and-trade possibilities, as the Warriors still have offers for the 22-year-old forward. 

Outside of Kuminga, Golden State is seemingly in the Al Horford sweepstakes, as they can add championship experience, size and shooting all in one player.

Still, the focus is on Kuminga, as the young forward still has star potential, and it doesn't seem that potential will be realized in the Bay Area.

Where does Kuminga stand in restricted free agency? Simply put, the market is bleak. There's no leverage for the G League Ignite product.

Because of the lack of a market for his services and desired contract, Warriors insider Anthony Slater believes Kuminga and the team will likely reunite on a "compromise" deal that will eventually be traded.

"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," Slater said on Sactown Sports 1140.

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

For Kuminga, a one-year prove-it deal before hitting the open market next season could make sense. The Warriors, however, want to recoup value.

Returning the young forward before trading him mid-season -- hence the December 15 date -- might be the most ideal option for Golden State.

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is taking his time with the decision, as the club wants to maximize the final years of Curry's and Green's careers. Nailing this decision could help determine their ceiling as a team.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.