Golden State Warriors could miss out on All-NBA player in ‘lose-lose’ situation with Jonathan Kuminga

Kuminga is a restricted free agent. However, it is difficult for him to sign elsewhere because of a lack of cap space across the league. He doesn’t seem to want to be with Golden State any longer, saying the team stunted his growth.

The saga has put Golden State in a lose-lose situation, said a former GM.

Golden State cannot win in the Jonathan Kuminga saga, says Bobby Marks 

Kuminga turned down a two-year, $45 million offer, and appears to want to explore his market next summer. That’s trouble for Golden State. They need Kuminga on a higher salary if they want to trade him for a star. 

Instead, he’s likely to sign a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer for next season. Former NBA General Manager and ESPN Insider Bobby Marks explained why that’s bad for the Warriors.

Marks said, “It’s probably more of a lose-lose for Golden State. I’m not saying Golden State should panic and suddenly offer three for $80 million. How I look at it for Golden State is that Jonathan Kuminga is now on a one-year $8 million deal.”

Not having Kuminga signed to a larger contract hamstrings the Warriors’ ability to go after superstars, should a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo ask out of Milwaukee. 

Marks continued, “Trading Jonathan Kuminga at a $22 million salary is a lot easier than trading Jonathan Kuminga at an $8 million salary, if you want to go hunting for a big name.

“What if an All-NBA player becomes available? You do not have the contracts unless you’re trading Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler. You would have Kuminga at $8 million, [Moses] Moody at $11 million, Buddy [Hield] at $8 or 9 million. 

“You don’t have the numbers to stack, which is why getting Kuminga on a two-year deal for $45 million is a perfect solution for Golden State, but it takes two to tango, and requires Kuminga to sign at that number.”

Jonathan Kuminga is betting on himself, looks to explore 2026 free agency

With his recent Instagram post, Jonathan Kuminga is betting on himself. He said that he’ll “bet on myself all day”. That would mean exploring free agency in 2026 after he signs the qualifying offer for this season.

It’s a financial risk for Kuminga. He’d be hoping to receive a much higher offer than the two-year $45 million from the Warriors.

A better offer is reportedly out there from the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, who are willing to give up $90 million over four years. A lot can change in a year, however.

Kuminga was played sparingly by Head Coach Steve Kerr last season. But he performed well in the second round of the playoffs after Steph Curry’s injury. He could continue on his upward trajectory from the end of the playoffs, but is it likely?

This summer has only hurt Kuminga’s relationship with the team, so it’s hardly more likely that he’ll get minutes than he did at the end of last season. Would the Suns and Kings still be willing to give up a large sum for the young Warrior after another season of limited minutes?

Either way, it looks like Kuminga is willing to roll the dice for a chance to leave Golden State.