If there’s one player to watch in the NBA right now, it’s Jonathan Kuminga, the 22-year-old forward for the Golden State Warriors.
Despite a promising start to his career, Kuminga’s demand for a big extension worth “well beyond” $30 million was left on the table.
According to Monte Poole from NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors decided that the price was too high, and now, Kuminga will become a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.
But will he make it to free agency, or could he be traded before then?
NBA reporter Jake Fischer hinted that the Brooklyn Nets already have a trade plan ready for Kuminga.
And considering the Nets are rebuilding, Kuminga could be the youthful spark they need.
So, what’s next for Kuminga?
- Jonathan Kuminga’s request for a $30 million+ extension went unmet by the Warriors.
- Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are closely monitoring Kuminga’s availability.
- Warriors are willing to pay big if Kuminga proves his worth this season.
Potential Trade or Free Agency: Brooklyn Nets’ Interest in Kuminga
The Brooklyn Nets had a rough start to the season with a record of 0-2, and the team is a mix of veterans and young players.
They have some promising players like Nic Claxton, but they lack that one rising star who could potentially turn things around—and they think Kuminga could be their guy.
After showing flashes of serious talent, Kuminga’s time in Golden State has been a bit inconsistent, partly because of limited playing time.
He averaged 16.1 points per game last season and shot an impressive 57.8% from the paint.
However, his three-point shooting remains a bit of a sore spot at just 32.1%.
For a team like the Warriors that leans heavily on perimeter shooting, it’s clear why there might be hesitation about a long-term investment.
Coach Steve Kerr has publicly praised Kuminga’s progress but also points out his youth and the ups and downs he’s faced.
“He’s still so young. Twenty years ago, he’d just be finishing college or a rookie year in the NBA,” Kerr told Tim Kawakami on The TK Show podcast.
While Kerr remains optimistic, he acknowledges that Kuminga’s growth curve is far from over.
That said, Brooklyn could be the team that offers Kuminga a fresh start, and it’ll allow him to get more minutes and develop his game in a less crowded rotation.
And with the Nets’ open cap space, there’s room to offer him a pretty tempting deal when the time comes.
Warriors’ Internal Decisions and Philadelphia’s Interest
The Warriors are facing a tough choice: to invest in the next generation with Kuminga or focus on maximizing the talents of stars like Steph Curry and Draymond Green, who won’t be around forever.
The Warriors have said they’re open to paying top dollar for Kuminga if he can deliver more consistent performances this season.
For now, it seems that Kuminga is on a trial run to determine whether he’s worth a long-term deal.
The Philadelphia 76ers have also expressed interest as potential suitors, though a trade would be more complex due to cap limitations.
Philadelphia could potentially sweeten the deal with draft picks or players like K.J. Martin to entice the Warriors.
Rumor has it the Sixers have shown they’re ready to spend big if it means adding another key piece to their roster, and Kuminga could fit that bill.
There’s no denying that Kuminga’s story has had plenty of highs—like winning a championship in his rookie season with the Warriors—but it’s been an uneven road since then.
Warriors coach Kerr has openly talked about his up-and-down performance, saying, “If you look at his three years here, it’s like the stock market… moments where I sat him, didn’t play him, took him out of the rotation. But from when he walked in three years ago until now, he’s dramatically better.”
Even so, his limited minutes in the 2024-25 season show trust hasn’t fully formed yet.
In two games, he has played less than 20 minutes per game and scored only six points per game.
Will the Warriors Commit, or Are We Looking at a Trade?
Kuminga’s future is really in his own hands this season.
If he can show up and deliver the consistency the Warriors want, they may offer him a big deal to stick around.
However, if his performance wavers or the team’s trust remains lukewarm, the Warriors might decide it’s time to move on.
The Nets seem ready to pounce, and with their rebuilding stage, a player like Kuminga could be a perfect fit.
With their eye on strengthening their roster, Philadelphia could also swoop in if the Warriors hesitate.
Brooklyn, in particular, has been watching this situation closely, with Fischer stating that the Nets’ general manager, Sean Marks, has a history of making big offer sheets for restricted free agents during rebuilds.
With Kuminga potentially up for grabs, Marks might just play that card again.
Ultimately, Kuminga’s next moves will decide whether he remains a Warrior or finds a new home.
The Warriors are willing to pay if he becomes a steady performer, while the Nets and 76ers seem ready to give him a fresh start.
One thing’s for sure—this season will be the turning point for Kuminga, whether he’s lacing up for Golden State, Brooklyn, or Philly.
