Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga Issues Bold Warning About His Future

Jonathan Kuminga is done waiting.

As he prepares for restricted free agency, the 21-year-old forward is making it clear: he wants the keys. And he’s not afraid to chase them elsewhere if the Golden State Warriors don’t hand them over.

“I feel like I’m at the point where that has to be my priority,” Kuminga told The Athletic. “To just be one of the guys a team relies on. Aiming to be an All-Star. Multiple times. Aiming to be great.”

“Wherever I’m going to be at, it don’t matter if it’s the Warriors or anywhere else, it’s something I want. I want to see what I could do. I know I got it.”

Jonathan Kuminga said he never had the chance to prove himself

“I feel like I’m at the point where that has to be my priority, to just be one of the guys a team relies on. Aiming to be an All-Star. Multiple times. Aiming to be great. … Wherever I’m going to be at, it don’t… pic.twitter.com/Kr1fgAyzah

 

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 25, 2025

Kuminga’s Ready. But Is Golden State?

Kuminga’s fourth season was a rollercoaster. He missed 31 games late in the year. Then he was pulled from the playoff rotation by Steve Kerr—only to explode when given the chance.

With Stephen Curry hobbled, Kuminga dropped 18, 30, 23, and 26 points on 55% shooting in four straight postseason games. He got to the line 25 times. Minnesota couldn’t stay in front of him.

Now, he’s chasing that version of himself. He’s been training twice daily in Cleveland, sharpening his handle, tightening his reads, and drilling thousands of jumpers. The goal? To become a high-usage offensive engine—not a slasher in the background.

“I did it here and there, but it was never a consistent role,” he said. “It only happens five games on, 10 games off. I want it to be a consistent role.”

Will the Warriors Give Him That Role?

It’s hard to see how. Golden State is still built around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Kerr has made it clear: the offense runs through them. Kuminga’s usage will always be capped unless someone’s out.

That’s why the sign-and-trade market is quietly heating up. The Miami Heat are reportedly interested. Brooklyn looms. Other teams will likely line up.

But so far, there’s no clarity on whether the Warriors will move him—or what kind of contract it would take to stay.

“Wherever I go, wherever I’ll be… I want them to be like, ‘He deserved what he got,’” Kuminga said.

Kuminga believes his time is now. The only question: will the Warriors be the ones to give it to him?

What the Warriors Must Decide Next

For the Warriors, this isn’t just a roster decision. It’s a timeline question.

They’re trying to win now with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler—but developing young talent like Kuminga doesn’t always align with that urgency. That’s what makes this moment so pivotal.

On one hand, Kuminga is clearly growing. He’s not just hoping for more touches—he’s building toward it. His Cleveland training schedule, focus on on-ball reps, and sharp shooting numbers in workouts all point toward a player preparing for a much larger role.

“The better I get, wherever I get my chance, it’s going to show,” Kuminga said.

On the other hand, the Warriors are operating with limited flexibility. The new CBA restricts how teams over the second apron can add or move pieces. And Kuminga, as a restricted free agent, will require a decision—either match a sizable offer sheet or work out a sign-and-trade that returns real value.

For now, both sides are saying the right things. But make no mistake: something has to give. Kuminga wants to be featured. The Warriors want to win. Whether those two visions can finally align—or whether this summer becomes the end of the road—will shape Golden State’s future just as much as its present.