Jonathan Kuminga is set to hit restricted free agency in the upcoming summer. His future in the Bay Area is significantly in doubt. An opportunity to get paid might be tough to secure as well, without the help of one key team.
Kuminga disappointed many with his 2024-25 NBA season. The fourth-year pro averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, with shooting splits of 45-31-67.
The former lottery pick failed to show significant signs of improvement from his third season and was falling in and out of Steve Kerr's rotation once the key games were being played. This has led many to believe his next contract will not be with the Golden State Warriors.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards drives past Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards drives past Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Nets could help facilitate Kuminga's next destination
The Brooklyn Nets are poised to have the largest amount of cap space available for this year's free agency. If they wanted to, the Nets could easily throw a bag at Kuminga and price the Warriors out of a range they would be comfortable with matching.
However, that will not be the reported plan of action in Brooklyn. In fact, they could be quite helpful to the Warriors by contrast.
Anthony Slater reported the Nets would be willing to involve themselves in potential sign-and-trade scenarios that help Kuminga secure his new deal.
Slater wrote, "There is not a current expectation that the Brooklyn Nets are preparing an offer sheet for Kuminga, but there are signs Brooklyn could be willing to use its open cap space as a vehicle to execute multi-team trade scenarios this summer, league sources said."
It is an understandable move from Brooklyn, who can reap some free assets towards their rebuild by using the money available to them in free agency. This should be a great sign for a Golden State team that could look to boost their contender status.
The breakup between Kuminga and the Warriors comes across as inevitable at this point. Today's news should mean they will still have an opportunity to benefit from their young forward's departure.
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