Warriors Make Cold-Blooded Move With Young Forward

Jonathan Kuminga wants out. The Warriors aren’t rushing to let him go. And now, one NBA insider says the feeling might be mutual.

Warriors Playing Hardball With RFA Leverage

The Golden State Warriors extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to Jonathan Kuminga back in June, preserving restricted free agency rights to one of the most divisive young players in their system. On paper, it looked like a move to keep Kuminga in the Bay. But according to The Athletic’s Eric Koreen, that offer wasn’t made out of belief — it was business.

“The Warriors don’t want Kuminga, and Kuminga doesn’t want to be in The Bay,” Koreen wrote. “Yet, the Warriors weren’t willing to forgo extending him a qualifying offer.”

RFA rules reward teams for playing the long game. The qualifying offer isn’t just about this season — it’s about control. Even if Kuminga wants out, Golden State has the upper hand unless another team steps up with an offer that clears their bar.

And so far, no one has.

Warriors Holding the Line on Trade Demands

Negotiations haven’t stalled. They’ve turned into a tug-of-war. The Warriors reportedly offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option on the second year — short-term security with long-term flexibility. Kuminga’s camp, represented by agent Aaron Turner, countered with a three-year, $82 million deal. Fully guaranteed.

That gap in years — and trust — is where the tension lives.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, Turner has been active on the sign-and-trade front. The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have both shown interest, offering contracts in the four-year, $90 million range with a player option at the end. Kuminga has eyes on a bigger role, and the Kings — who’ve long been linked to him — offer a clearer path to that.

But Golden State has made it clear: they want a young player, a first-round pick, and no bad money in return. That kind of package just isn’t out there right now. And the Warriors know it.

Kuminga’s Future Hangs in the Balance

At this point, a standoff seems more likely than a split. Kuminga has leverage, but not enough. The Warriors are protecting an asset — even if they’re no longer sold on the player himself.

Kuminga appeared in just 47 games last season, averaging 15.3 points, but battled through injuries and inconsistent minutes. His flashes remain electric. His fit in Steve Kerr’s system? Still unclear.

If no deal materializes, Kuminga might accept the qualifying offer, play out the year on an expiring contract, and hit unrestricted free agency next summer — free of restrictions, and free to finally pick his path.

Until then, this is a power play in slow motion.