Jonathan Kuminga and Warriors Ignite Surprising Contract Talks: What’s Behind the Sudden Move?

Hopefully, both sides can work through their differences and figure out a resolution before the start of official team training camp next month.

“Kuminga wants more of a player-friendly deal, more of a signal that he’s a building block, not a trade asset.”

Kuminga was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, with Golden State expecting the raw but talented forward to develop into an All-Star caliber player. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, it hasn’t been enough to win a spot in the starting rotation with Butler in the fold.

Both sides appear willing to work out a deal to keep Kuminga in Golden State, but the 22-year-old still is not sold on being what amounts to a backup for games when Butler and Steph Curry can’t carry the offensive load.

Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors have reestablished contract negotiations.

Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have dusted off the contract talks after what felt like an endless offseason standoff. It’s clear both sides are eager to find common ground, but let’s be honest—restarting the conversation doesn’t always mean we’re heading toward a deal just yet. According to NBA insider Anthony Slater, they’ve been hashing out contract ideas over the past week, but Kuminga isn’t exactly thrilled about being pigeonholed as a mere backup or a trade piece. At just 22, and selected seventh overall in the 2021 draft, Kuminga’s raw talent screams potential, but minutes on the court have been scarce since Jimmy Butler joined the squad, leaving both the player and front office weighing options—including a trade that never quite landed. With limited suitors elsewhere due to his restricted free agent tag, the pressure’s on for both sides to iron out their differences before training camp kicks off next month. The clock’s ticking, and whatever happens next could shape not just Kuminga’s career but the Warriors’ future, too. LEARN MORE

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After trading for Jimmy Butler last season, Kuminga fell out of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s regular rotation. The lack of meaningful playing time, coupled with his free agency status, has led to both sides looking into trade possibilities. While a potential trade framework was in place with the Sacramento Kings, nothing materialized.

The 22-year-old has few other options given the lack of interest from other teams and his restricted free agent status.

“Well, there’s been renewed conversations between the two sides,” NBA insider Anthony Slater said Friday on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “There’s dialogue, but as you all know, talking doesn’t necessarily equal movement. They’ve shared contract concepts and opinions about the whole thing between each other this last week, dating back to last weekend.

Golden State’s front office has remained at an impasse with the 22-year-old restricted free agent this offseason over a new deal, though both sides are trying to work through their issues.