Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Jonathan Kuminga makes decision on his playing future

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 6:57 PM ET

Jonathan Kuminga’s standoff with the Golden State Warriors is over, at least for the time being.

Kuminga has agreed to a 2-year, $48.5 million contract with the Warriors, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The deal includes a team option for a third year that is designed to be renegotiated later.

The new contract does not mean Kuminga is committing to Golden State for years to come. Charania added that the restricted free agent opted for the shortest possible offer to maintain control of his future, and added that the Warriors are likely to explore potential trades once Kuminga is eligible to be moved on January 15.

Kuminga chose this two-year deal over three years and $75M so he can maintain a higher level of control over his immediate future. The Warriors never wavered on team option frameworks. Now, both sides understand likelihood of exploring trades when Kuminga is eligible in January. https://t.co/NfPxZKV6mC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 30, 2025

Kuminga’s situation took virtually the entire offseason to resolve. A lack of clarity about his role, as well as issues with coach Steve Kerr, left the young forward with serious doubts about his future with the organization. His camp eventually indicated a willingness to sign a contract with a player option in the third season, but Golden State never wavered on their preference for a team option.

There is still time for Kuminga to reassert himself as part of Golden State’s future, but the questions about his role have not gone away. It certainly looks like this contract is part of an effort to let Kuminga keep control of his future while ensuring the Warriors can get something for him in a future trade.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: