The Golden State Warriors’ offseason has taken a dramatic turn as rising star Jonathan Kuminga is reportedly pushing to leave the team, frustrated by stalled contract negotiations and a lack of clarity about his role. According to multiple reports, Kuminga has no interest in playing for the Warriors next season under the current terms, and the relationship between player and front office is rapidly deteriorating.
Kuminga, 22, is a restricted free agent, but talks have hit a wall. The Warriors have offered a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option for the second year, while Kuminga is seeking a three-year, $82 million contract with stronger player protections.
The team’s offer would also require Kuminga to waive his implied no-trade clause, giving Golden State the flexibility to move him mid-season, something his camp strongly opposes.
Beyond the financials, Kuminga reportedly feels misused and undervalued in Golden State. Despite averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season on efficient shooting, he was benched during key playoff moments and has struggled to carve out a consistent role on a veteran-heavy roster. Sources close to the situation say Kuminga believes his development has been stifled and that he’s ready for a fresh start elsewhere.
Teams like the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in acquiring Kuminga via sign-and-trade. Sacramento reportedly offered Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-round pick, while Phoenix proposed a four-year, $90 million deal but lacked the draft assets to satisfy Golden State’s demands. So far, the Warriors have rejected all offers, insisting on a premium return for the former No. 7 overall pick.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob remains a vocal supporter of Kuminga and has reportedly blocked any trade unless the team receives “real value” in return. However, the front office’s hardball tactics have only deepened the standoff, and Kuminga is now considering signing the $7.9 million qualifying offer to play out the season and enter unrestricted free agency next summer.
With training camp approaching and no resolution in sight, the Warriors face a lose-lose scenario: either overpay a player they don’t fully trust or risk alienating one of their most promising young talents. For Kuminga, the next season may be a tension-filled audition. Whether in Golden State or elsewhere.
