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Golden State Warriors
Aug 25, 2025 2:46 PM EDT
A couple of months into the NBA offseason, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is still a restricted free agent, and what is next for his playing future is still up in the air.
Earlier this offseason, the Warriors extended an $8 million qualifying offer to Kuminga. However, the 22-year-old has yet to accept the contract. Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer broke down why Kuminga accepting his qualifying offer would be a bad situation for Golden State as it increases the risks of the team losing him for nothing next summer.
“Kuminga’s only recourse at this stage might be accepting his one-year, $8 million qualifying offer which expires Oct. 1. It’s his lone pathway to control over his future, since it would enable him to become an unrestricted free agent on June 30, 2026,” Fischer wrote. “It would certainly be a gamble on Kuminga’s side, but it potentially would be even more dangerous for the Warriors, who would then face the prospect of losing him for nothing after this season.”
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In addition to the Warriors, other teams have been linked to Kuminga this offseason, such as the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, meaning that there is a world where he departs from the team sooner rather than later.
On Monday, a new report surfaced that further suggests that the Warriors are now realistically facing a worst-case scenario regarding their former lottery pick.
Jonathan Kuminga Reportedly Does Not Want to Remain With the Warriors
With the start of next season just a couple of months away, the Warriors must make a decision on Kuminga quickly. Unfortunately for them, it seems like things may not go in their direction.
According to recent reports, Kuminga is no longer interested in remaining with the Warriors. Because of this, if a sign-and-trade does not come to fruition, the Congo native may ultimately sign his qualifying offer, which puts Golden State at a bigger risk of losing him for nothing next year (h/t Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints).
“It has become very clear this offseason that Kuminga wants no part of the Warriors. Between head coach Steve Kerr benching him throughout the years and his role constantly changing, Kuminga feels as if he hasn’t been valued,” Siegel wrote.
“The only reason Kuminga hasn’t accepted this contract is because he truly doesn’t want to return to the Warriors. To change his mind and for these two sides to reunite, it seems like an understanding of what Kuminga wants will need to be at the forefront of this two-year proposal…Unless the Warriors receive an offer they can’t refuse regarding a potential sign-and-trade, which is highly unlikely, Kuminga will return to the team for the 2025-26 season. The only question is whether he will have signed a new contract or his qualifying offer.”
It seems that Kuminga will stick around for another season, but his future in Golden State is up in the air beyond that point. Both sides are facing big decisions this offseason, so until something becomes official in either direction, this situation will be worth monitoring in the meantime.
About the Author
Elie Deglaoui
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Elie Deglaoui is a contributing writer for the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.