Wizards Emerge as Dark Horse in Surprise Pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga During NBA Free Agency Frenzy

As of now, all things remain on the table — including Kuminga’s return to the team that drafted him.

The saga surrounding Jonathan Kuminga drags on as the NBA free agency clock ticks into day five without a clear answer in sight. It’s no surprise the Warriors are casting a wide net, but now a fresh contender has surfaced in the chase: the Washington Wizards. Word from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater hints that Kuminga could be an instrumental piece in Washington’s rebuild—a notion that’s been gaining serious traction recently. After a tough 2024-25 campaign that saw the Wizards languish at the bottom of the East standings, they’re zeroing in on young talent like Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, and Alex Sarr, complemented by newcomers CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton. Meanwhile, other franchises— Miami, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Brooklyn—aren’t sitting this one out either, each eyeing the 22-year-old forward with varying degrees of interest. Sacramento’s earlier sign-and-trade pitch, peppered with Devin Carter and draft picks, was notably rebuffed, perceived by Golden State as a lowball bid. The Warriors’ price tag? A promising young asset plus a first-rounder, no less. Kuminga, the seventh pick in the 2021 Draft, is clearly scouting for a home where he’s more than just a role player—he wants to be the cornerstone. Golden State hasn’t quite filled that bill for him yet. As talks swirl, everything’s still on the table—even a homecoming to the team that drafted him. The clock’s ticking… and honestly, I’m on the edge of my seat. LEARN MORE

The Jonathan Kuminga situation still has no resolution in the early hours of the fifth day of NBA free agency.

As expected, the Warriors are exploring all options, and it appears a new potential suitor has entered the mix.

As for the Warriors’ asking price for Kuminga, Slater reported they are seeking “a promising young player plus a first-round pick.”

Slater also notes the Kings’ offer for Kuminga, which was reported by NBC Sports California on Wednesday, of a three-team sign-and-trade being discussed that would send Kuminga to Sacramento and Devin Carter, Dario Šarić and two second-round draft picks to Golden State. The offer was balked at what the Warriors believe was a “buy-low” attempt, Slater reported, citing sources.

Kuminga, who was selected No. 7 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, is seeking a situation where he can be a consistent contributor and the future of a franchise that backs and believes in him. That hasn’t been the case for Kuminga in Golden State over the last four years.

Washington, which finished last in the Eastern Conference with just 18 wins during the 2024-25 season, is prioritizing the development of its young core around Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr. The Wizards also traded for CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton this offseason.

The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets also have expressed “varying levels of interest” in the 22-year-old forward, Slater wrote, citing league sources.

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The Washington Wizards have shown interest in the last 24 hours, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday night, citing league sources, adding that the idea of Kuminga as a possible fit in Washington’s rebuild has “gained real momentum.”

Only time will tell.