SHOCK NEWS Golden State Warrior rumors: Will Jonathan Kuminga return to Golden State in free agency…… view more
SHOCK NEWS surrounding Jonathan Kuminga and his potential next move—could he re-sign with Golden State, or is he headed elsewhere
1. Sign‑and‑Trade Feel Strong
- A growing number of reports indicate both Kuminga and the Warriors are exploring a sign‑and‑trade in restricted free agency rather than a straight extension
- The complication? The CBA’s base‑year compensation rule limits Golden State’s ability to match offers without moving into the hard cap (“first apron”), making a return or trade scenario tricky
2. Financial Match Could Keep Him Home
- As a restricted free agent, Kuminga can sign an offer elsewhere (Brooklyn is rumored) but Warriors retain matching rights.
- New deals counting at ~$30 M/year could effectively only count half against GS’s cap—making re-signing him a financially shrewd Option
3. Front Office & Coaching Staff Divided
- Ownership remains intrigued: Joe Lacob previously called Kuminga “a guy we love” and indicated he’d only be moved for “something incredibly significant”
- Coach Steve Kerr praised his upside but admitted lineup fit has been tough with new additions like Jimmy Butler
- Draymond Green’s position? He publicly and unequivocally backs Kuminga—saying only that it’s business, and he’ll succeed whether in Golden State or elsewhere
4. Trade Talk Churning
- The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami senses limited trade value—GS might only land mid‑level talent like Coby White
- Bulls starring in trade chatter; one 3‑team suggestion sends Kuminga to Chicago, leverages pick(s) and veteran wings
- Brooklyn Nets long viewed as top external suitor due to cap space for an offer sheet (
What’s Next?
| Scenario | Likelihood | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Re‑sign in GS | High | Handles cap smartly; keeps developing the 22‑yr‑old; avoids poor trade return |
| Sign‑and‑Trade | Moderate | Allows Kuminga a fresh start, returns bench pieces or picks, but could be tough cap-wise |
| Offer sheet & match | Possible | Likely from a team like Brooklyn with cap room; Warriors could just match |
| Straight trade | Low | Reports suggest limited trade value; unlikely to get significant haul |
Bottom Line
- Golden State has strong internal reasons to keep Kuminga: cost efficiency via CBA rules, backing from Lacob/Kerr/Green, and potential still high if fit issues resolved.
- A sign‑and‑trade remains on the table due to fit and cap room constraints—but finding a compatible trade partner offering real value is tough.
- External interest is real—Bulls and Nets are among teams potentially making a push.
- This is a must-watch July story: restricted free agency begins July 1, and early July likely sees GS announcing either matching, negotiating a deal, or launching trade talks.
Final Take
Yes, there is fire behind the sudden explosion of rumors—notably the growing murmur that sign‑and‑trade is the path being eyed. But don’t sleep on the possibility he simply re-signs with Golden State due to the CBA structure and clear support from within.
Keep an eye on early July, when moves unwind. If you’re a Warriors fan, buckle up—this could shape their next championship window. Otherwise, NBA shuffles may yield a fresh start for Kuminga elsewhere.
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