For NBA teams, free agency tends to be a very fast-moving proposition, with the opening day--June 30, at 6 p.m.--often setting the contours of how things will unfold. After four or five days, in most years, the cupboard of available players is fairly bare.
But restricted free agency, with the player's current team able to match offers, tends to be different. Restricted free agency often drags through the summer, as it is difficult to find teams willing to make offers and players struggle to find leverage.
For the Warriors, the hope is that the potentially contentious Jonathan Kuminga situation does not rise to that level. General manager Mike Dunleavy spoke on Monday about it and said that whatever happens--a trade or a re-signing--he is seeking to make it happen quickly. It helps that the Dubs can begin negotiating with Kuminga before free agency starts.
And Dunleavy let his timeline be known: the sooner, the better.
Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs in the second period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs in the second period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
"We can start pursuing that right now, leading up into free agency, and I think we're in a good spot with it, honestly," Dunleavy told reporters. "We had the ability to bring him back. He's restricted. I think there will be good dialogue. I'd like to figure something out sooner than later. That would be great. But I also acknowledge with restricted free agency these things can drag out a little bit and take some time.
"I think we feel pretty comfortable with who JK is as a player and what he can do for our organization, and we'll continue -- it's a main priority going into free agency."
Kuminga was the Warriors' No. 7 overall pick in 2021, and has had sporadic growth with the team since. He fell out of the rotation after the Jimmy Butler trade in February, but played well in the postseason after Stephen Curry was injured.
The Warriors could keep him by re-signing him, or seek a sign-and-trade deal. Either way, Kuminga will have to participate in whatever the next move is.
Asked why he wanted to make the move quickly, Dunleavy said, "I think just clarity, roster clarity in terms of what else we need to add in free agency, also what we have to spend in terms of minimums, exceptions, those different types of things.
"I think the sooner the better for everyone. His sake, too, I believe. But like I said, restricted free agency can be a little different, so we may have to be patient."