Rumor: Jonathan Kuminga Doesn’t Want To Return To Warriors, Seeks Bigger Role And Payday

Jonathan Kuminga may have played his last NBA game in a Golden State Warriors uniform if a recent report is to be believed.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the 22-year-old forward would prefer a bigger role and payday elsewhere. Kuminga is a restricted free agent and can sign an offer sheet with another team. The Warriors would have the right to match, but there’s growing speculation they may not.

Jonathan Kuminga appeared in 47 games last season, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.4 percent from the field. His outside shooting remains a work in progress — just 30.5 percent from three and 66.8 percent from the line — but his athleticism and scoring upside continue to attract interest across the league.

The former No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft is reportedly looking for an average annual salary of $25 million, per The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer. That price tag, combined with Kuminga’s desire to be a featured option on offense, puts him at odds with the Warriors’ current roster makeup, which is still built around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Kuminga has been linked to the Suns, Heat and Bulls in sign-and-trade discussions, and it’s clear his camp is focused on finding a situation where he can take on a bigger role. With Golden State aiming to remain competitive in the West, the team may look to use Kuminga in a deal that helps fill other holes.

The Warriors are expected to finalize deals with Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton once the Kuminga situation is resolved.

Through three seasons in the NBA, Kuminga holds career averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He was part of the Warriors’ 2022 championship team, contributing off the bench during the playoff run.

But this offseason could mark a major turning point, for both Kuminga and the franchise that drafted him.

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