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Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga Named 'Fallback Option' For Kevin Durant Suitor

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Svyato Rovenchuk | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 12:34 PM ET

Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have been anticipated to be going in different directions this offseason for some time now. The two sides have not enjoyed a mutually-beneficial relationship in recent memory.

Kuminga failed to take a major leap in the 2024-25 NBA season, putting a lot of doubt out there as to his overall ceiling in the NBA. The Warriors, likewise, have been questioned with regard to how healthy of an environment they have provided for his growth.

With Kuminga heading for restricted free agency in the summer of 2025, many have been quick to speculate about where the new home for the athletic forward will be. Michael Scotto provided an update on which team could emerge to provide that.

Scotto wrote, "Given Kuminga’s fluctuating role with the Warriors following the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, his lukewarm relationship with coach Steve Kerr, and being discussed in trade talks before the deadline to land Kevin Durant that ultimately fell through, there’s a belief a change of scenery could be in the cards this summer."

The NBA insider would go on to reveal the Miami Heat as one of the two major teams to watch in the Kuminga sweepstakes. The Heat are projected to go big-game hunting, but if that fails, their attention will shift to the Warriors forward.

"Kuminga is looking for an expanded and consistent role moving forward, league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto said. "The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are two teams to monitor as potential sign-and-trade candidates for Kuminga, league sources told HoopsHype."

The HoopsHype insider wrote: "Miami has prioritized pursuits of Giannis Antetokounmpo (if he became available this summer) and Durant (whom they’re actively trying to acquire) on their wish list ahead of Kuminga, who’s viewed as a fallback option to the two superstars."

If South Beach is to be the next destination for the former lottery pick, the Warriors can rest assured knowing they will receive assets in return for Kuminga's departure. After the Butler trade, these two sides have a clear history of effectively working together.

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

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