Now that the offseason has arrived for all but eight NBA teams, speculations are flying around the league. The Golden State Warriors have been the subject of much discussion in the Western Conference after failing to make the playoffs for the first time since their most recent title in 2022. In addition to having to make difficult decisions about the futures of Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors will also have to design a strategy for Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the club as a result of all the trade negotiations that are taking place.
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Kuminga had a remarkable third season with Golden State. Given Thompson and Wiggins’ problems, Kuminga moved into the starting lineup when stories appeared in the middle of the season about his displeasure with Steve Kerr’s nightly rotations. When Kuminga was given his chance to shine, he quickly rose to the status of one of the Warriors’ most significant players. Despite being only 21 years old and growing, Kuminga demonstrated his natural scoring talents because to his raw agility, and his defensive qualities are exactly what the Warriors have been looking for.
The Warriors are struggling financially. This is why Kuminga, who is available for a contract extension this summer, has emerged as a potential trade target for the Warriors.
Owner Joe Lacob wants to win right now, especially since two-time MVP Stephen Curry isn’t getting any younger. Any moves the Warriors make in the offseason will attempt to bolster their immediate championship hopes. However, it does not appear that Kuminga will be involved in any prospective trade talks between Golden State and other teams this summer. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne recently spoke with 95.7 The Game in San Francisco about Kuminga’s immediate future with the Warriors.
“Not at all,” Shelburne swiftly said when asked if Kuminga will be discussed in trade talks this summer. “Look, it’s going to be hard because of his extension discussions and how much money they have, but I believe they’ll do everything possible to keep him. “I don’t think they want to talk about him.”
If the Warriors hold Kuminga out of trade negotiations this winter, they will have few options for improving their roster. Kuminga is currently one of their only players with value and weight in hypothetical deals, which is why there have been reports that Golden State may be considering negotiations with him. Thompson’s potential extension would also influence how much money the organization may eventually offer the young forward in a new contract.
Kuminga was one of the Warriors’ most important assets this season. Moving forward, he is expected to establish himself as a key player of their team.
Jonathan Kuminga’s role with Warriors
Kuminga appeared in 74 games for the Warriors this season, starting 46 of them. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, shooting 52.9% from the field and 32.1% from three. The third-year forward finished third on the team in scoring, trailing only Curry and Thompson.
This offseason, Kuminga will enter the last year of his rookie deal. The Warriors have the option of waiting and revisiting contract negotiations with Kuminga after the 2024-25 season, when he will be a restricted free agency, but will Golden State want to risk another team providing him a large sum of money on a potential offer sheet?
The prospect of extending and keeping Kuminga now may appeal to Lacob and the Warriors’ front office, especially if they honestly believe he will be a part of their future after Curry, Thompson, and Green retire.
Of course, Kuminga’s future role is entirely dependent on what happens to the rest of the roster this offseason. If Thompson leaves the club or Wiggins is moved, Kuminga’s minutes will increase. This would only add to his worth in a new contract extension with the Warriors.
What occurs throughout the offseason will have a significant impact on the Warriors’ immediate and long-term future. Kuminga, who the franchise does not appear to want to trade, appears to be part of Golden State’s future plans.