Jonathan Kuminga Entering Vital Season for Career

Jonathan Kuminga’s contract extension was one of the biggest stories of the offseason. The 23-year-old was in contract negotiations with the Golden State Warriors since their 2024-25 season ended, but only reached agreement on a deal last week. He signed a two-year $48.5 million extension with a team option in his final year.

Although there were reports of him willing to take a $7.9 million qualifying offer, Kuminga agreed to a deal. This means he cannot be traded until January 15, 2026. While there are no confirmations of him potentially being with the Warriors till the end of the 2025-26 season, Kuminga will have to prove he is worthy of a new contract if he is on a new roster after Jan 15.

Jonathan Kuminga Enters Vital Season for Career

According to the deal, Kuminga can sign a new contract if he gets traded from the Warriors and this essentially means he will be in a territory to demand a lucrative deal, but this will require him to prove his ability on the court. Last season, he was the Warriors’ third leading scorer only behind Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. However, Steve Kerr has had issues of integrating him into a similar lineup with the two veterans, citing issues of his fit with them. This even led to Kuminga going out of rotation in the playoffs. That led to a lot of criticism directed at Kerr. It only increased when the swingman scored 30 points off the bench in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kuminga Could Be Used As Trade Piece

Kuminga is one of the most athletic players in the league. Teams like the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings even made offers to acquire him, but the Dubs were not willing to accept the deals offered for him.

Having secured his stay on the team for at least the near future, the Warriors can start engaging in trade talks for Kuminga. They have a great starting lineup with the likes of Curry, Draymond Green and Butler leading the way. Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton are also brilliant signings, but what the Dubs need is some depth in the wing department. Trading Kuminga will mean the Dubs lose one of their scoring options, but they can bring in a few solid pieces in exchange for him. If not, it does not really make any sense for them to lose a young star like Kuminga who has a lot of potential.