Three best fits for Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga is at a frustrating crossroads, and the team that best fits him might shape the rest of his career.

He is a restricted free agent in limbo. According to ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the Golden State Warriors reportedly offered a two-year, $45 million deal, but Kuminga turned it down. The deal included a team option and removed his no-trade clause, which didn’t sit well with him. Talks with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have stalled, too, as the Warriors haven’t been impressed by any of the offers so far.

Kuminga had a sign-and-trade proposal from both teams reportedly worth around $90 million over four years, per Charania and Slater. Sacramento has shown stronger interest, but trade discussions haven’t gone far, mainly because the Kings don’t want to part with key players like Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis.

The 22-year-old had a solid 2024-25 campaign with 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from deep. He missed some time due to an ankle injury, but came alive in the second round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging over 20 points per game across that series.

So, where should he land for the 2025-26 campaign?

Warriors

The Warriors want to keep Kuminga, especially with their older core nearing its end. Stephen Curry (37), Jimmy Butler (35) and Draymond Green (35) aren’t getting younger, and Kuminga offers upside for the future. The problem is his contract situation. Kuminga wants a long-term deal with financial and role security, and he’s not budging. If the Warriors can’t get him to buy into their vision or meet his price, they might lose him for nothing next year.

Kings

The Kings make a lot of sense. They reportedly offered a package around Devin Carter, Dario Saric and some picks, but the Warriors rejected it. Still, Kuminga likes the idea of playing in Sacramento, per ESPN, and his athletic, attacking style fits perfectly next to Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Without a young star, a need for wing scoring and more room to grow into a featured role, this might be the best basketball fit.

Suns

Phoenix made a push, including veterans like Royce O’Neale and Nick Richards in a potential trade. Kuminga liked the interest, but Golden State didn’t. The Suns are strapped for flexibility and already loaded on the wings. Financially, it’s tough to see them building a long-term plan around him, especially when it means gutting their already-thin depth.

What’s most important to Kuminga right now? If it’s a payday and a bigger role, Sacramento looks like the best route. If he values continuity and another shot at contending right now, maybe the Warriors can keep him in the mix. Phoenix feels like the least likely option unless something drastic changes.

There’s also the option of betting on himself: playing one more year under the qualifying offer (around $7.9 million) and hitting unrestricted free agency in 2026. That’s risky, though. If he gets hurt or takes a step back, his value could plummet.

Kuminga is a work in progress, but the tools are there. The next stop in his career could determine whether he becomes a true two-way star or another high-upside wing who never finds the right fit.

For now, the Warriors are holding firm, the Kings are circling and the Suns are lurking. But it’s Kuminga’s priorities — money, role or loyalty — that’ll make the call.