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Golden State Warriors GM’s thoughts on OKC and the Pacers might reveal something about Jonathan Kuminga’s future

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 12:14 PM ET

The NBA Finals showcased how young teams can compete for championships. Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers proved that experience isn’t everything in today’s league.

The Thunder and Pacers feature rosters built around players under 27. Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just 26, while Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a tragic injury in the Finals, is only 25 years old.

Mike Dunleavy explains why Golden State Warriors buck the youth trend

Not every NBA team is embracing the youth movement like OKC and Indiana. The Golden State Warriors remain committed to their veteran core heading into next season.

The Warriors’ foundation consists of three players in their 30s: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. GM Mike Dunleavy made it clear this veteran trio will anchor their championship pursuit.

“I think you got to run your own race and in our case we’ve got three players in their 30s that are really good and that’s the hand we’re playing,” Dunleavy told the media.

“Certainly admirable to what the Pacers and the Thunder have done but we’ve got our group. We’re committed to that and we got to build with it and around it.“

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That mindset might tell something about Jonathan Kuminga’s future

Dunleavy’s comments shed light on Jonathan Kuminga’s situation with Golden State. The restricted free agent appears likely to return, though his role remains unclear in the Warriors’ veteran-focused approach.

“I think we’re in a good spot with it. We have the ability to bring him back. He’s restricted and I think there’ll be good dialogue and I‘d like to figure something out sooner than later,” Dunleavy said.

“But I also acknowledge with restricted free agency, these things can drag out a little bit and take some time.

“I think we feel pretty comfortable with who JK is as a player and what he can do for our organization.”

Kuminga could become a valuable trade asset through a sign-and-trade scenario. Both sides may explore options that benefit their respective situations entering the offseason.

For the Warriors, they might find the numbers that could get them a good player in exchange since Kuminga himself could attract interest from various clubs.

Mike Dunleavy explains why the Jimmy Butler trade could stop the Warriors from pursuing stars

However, it seems that the Warriors won’t be chasing expensive stars after trading for Jimmy Butler earlier this year.

Butler has around $50 million annual salary and it has significantly impacted Golden State’s financial flexibility if they want to pursue another star like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“Only because our salary structure and the way it works with the amount of money you can use underneath the second apron, that probably restricts it more than anything,” Dunleavy explained.

The Warriors must navigate strict luxury tax penalties while building around their costly veteran core. The financial limitations mean Golden State cannot pursue the high-priced talent they targeted last summer, forcing them to find value in different areas of the market.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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