The 2025 NBA offseason has reached the quiet stage of free agency. But that doesn’t mean there are no big names left in the market. Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga, who is a restricted free agent, is one of the most prominent players still available.
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Many questions have arisen about the relationship between Kuminga and the Warriors and their future. As a formality, Golden State extended a qualifying offer worth $7.9 million, which Kuminga immediately declined. His ideal average annual salary is in the $20 million range.
Kuminga’s holdup with the Warriors has big implications for multiple teams. It impacts not only GS but also the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, and Sacramento Kings, who have all expressed interest in the 22-year-old. NBA insider Zach Lowe has cut through the clutter to reveal one thing about Kuminga’s situation that is certain.
It’s clear the Warriors and Kuminga haven’t been on the same page for quite some time now. The 6-foot-8 forward hasn’t been a fan of the role the team has given him over the past two years. A change of scenery would provide Kuminga with a fresh start. The only problem is that the free agent market may not be as robust as Kuminga would’ve hoped.
Lowe can’t wrap his head around where Kuminga will end up, but he’s firm about one specific aspect of the young star’s standoff.
“The only thing I know is I don’t think either side, the Warriors or Kuminga, wants this to end with him signing the qualifying offer for one year. I don’t think that’s a desirable outcome,” said the insider on The Zach Lowe Show.
Kuminga wants a payday. He doesn’t want to wait another year because variables like injuries could impact the money he can receive in the open market next season.
For the Warriors, if Kuminga signs the qualifying offer, the low contract would hinder their ability to make trades, since they would only be able to acquire players in that same wage range. Players who can contribute at a high level receive a much higher salary than $7.9 million. That severely limits what personnel they could pick up.
There’s still the possibility of a team completing a sign-and-trade to acquire Kuminga. However, Lowe warned Warriors fans to brace themselves for a long offseason.
“From what I’ve heard in the Kuminga situation, this might take a while. I think the Warriors want real stuff back, to the tune of a decent young player and a first-round pick,” Lowe said.
Cohost Howard Beck concurred with Lowe’s assessment, saying, “I’ll personally be shocked if Kuminga’s on their opening night roster.”
Teams may be waiting for Kuminga’s asking price to lower over the coming weeks. Regardless, his future will have ripple effects that will play a huge part in how teams and players approach restricted free agency moving forward.
