Jonathan Kuminga has become one of the most intriguing and divisive players in the Golden State Warriors organization over the last few seasons. Drafted seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga entered the league as a raw but highly talented forward, known for his elite athleticism, physicality, and defensive upside. Since then, the Warriors have seen flashes of brilliance that hint at stardom, while also experiencing stretches where he seemed to disappear or struggle to carve out a consistent role in a veteran-laden rotation. Now, as the Warriors face a defining offseason, there is a growing argument that locking in Kuminga to a long-term deal could be the franchise’s smartest and boldest move yet.
The Warriors are not just dealing with salary cap limitations or roster gaps—they are facing the end of an era. Stephen Curry is now 37, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are well into their 30s, and the championship core that defined a decade of NBA dominance is slowly running out of time. While Curry remains one of the best players in the league, his window to contend is narrowing. Golden State can no longer afford to ignore their need for young, dynamic talent that can complement their veterans now while also anchoring the next era. This is where Kuminga comes in.
In the 2024–25 season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points in just under 25 minutes per game, shooting over 45% from the field and showing noticeable improvement in shot selection, finishing, and overall confidence. His explosive athleticism was always his calling card, but this past season he began to harness that athleticism in more productive ways—cutting smarter, drawing contact more effectively, and finishing through defenders at the rim. There were games where Kuminga looked like the best player on the floor, even sharing the court with Curry or a newly acquired Jimmy Butler. His playoff performance against the Timberwolves, especially when Curry was sidelined, turned heads around the league. Averaging over 24 points in the last four games of that series, Kuminga didn’t just show flashes—he showed control, poise, and the kind of scoring ability that teams build around.
The question, then, is whether the Warriors will commit to him long-term or explore a trade that maximizes his current value. The financial component is complex. Kuminga is set to become a restricted free agent, meaning the Warriors can match any offer sheet he signs with another team. However, a lucrative long-term contract—reportedly in the range of \$25–30 million annually—could significantly restrict the team’s financial flexibility, especially as they flirt with the luxury tax and new CBA restrictions. A sign-and-trade is theoretically on the table, but league insiders have pointed out that such deals are more complicated than they appear, due to base-year compensation rules and potential hard cap implications. Still, despite the obstacles, the logic behind extending Kuminga is compelling.
Locking in Kuminga is not just about betting on talent—it’s about embracing a timeline shift. The Warriors have spent the past few seasons trying to straddle two tracks: winning now with their veterans and developing young talent for the future. That two-timeline experiment hasn’t been perfect. James Wiseman was traded. Moses Moody is still searching for a defined role. But Kuminga is the clear standout from that young group. He represents the franchise’s best chance to transition smoothly from the Curry era to whatever comes next. Rather than parting ways with a potential star in search of short-term upgrades, the Warriors could lean into Kuminga’s rise and use this offseason to re-center the roster around a blend of experience and youth.
Moreover, there’s the physicality factor. Kuminga brings a level of athleticism, strength, and vertical explosiveness that the Warriors often lack. When he’s on the floor, Golden State plays faster, attacks the rim more frequently, and forces opposing defenses into difficult rotations. He can guard three or four positions effectively and, with more experience, has the tools to become an elite wing defender. Offensively, he is still improving as a shooter, particularly from beyond the arc, but his willingness to attack closeouts and finish in traffic is exactly the kind of modern skillset the Warriors need. His presence opens the floor for shooters and provides a downhill threat that opponents must respect.
That said, there are valid concerns. Kuminga has had stretches of inconsistency, both in his performance and in his attitude. There have been moments when he’s visibly frustrated with his role, and his decision-making in high-pressure situations can still be questionable. Steve Kerr has hinted that certain lineups, especially those including Draymond and Kuminga together, lack spacing and don’t fit as well schematically. Integrating him into a system that emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and basketball IQ hasn’t always been seamless. But growth takes time, and Kuminga is only 22 years old. Expecting perfection this early is unrealistic, especially when considering the developmental curve of similarly athletic forwards who eventually blossomed into stars.
Another angle to consider is the lack of better alternatives. Trading Kuminga for a proven veteran may help in the short term, but how much better would the team actually become? The rumored packages—like a deal involving Nikola Vucevic and Lonzo Ball—bring experience but not upside. The Warriors would likely be sacrificing a player who could become a 20-point-per-game scorer and high-level defender for marginal gains in spacing or leadership. Furthermore, none of the possible trades being discussed catapult Golden State back into the top tier of title contenders. With the Western Conference getting younger and deeper, standing pat or doubling down on veterans doesn’t necessarily move the needle.
There’s also the issue of future-proofing the franchise. Keeping Kuminga isn’t just about next season—it’s about two or three years down the line when the team may look dramatically different. Curry may retire or accept a reduced role. Draymond might not be in the picture. Klay could move on. The Warriors can’t rebuild from scratch, and having a dynamic, homegrown star already under contract gives them a much-needed head start. Kuminga can be the bridge between eras—a player who learns from legends now while evolving into a leader later. That kind of continuity is rare and valuable, especially in an NBA landscape where player movement is more fluid than ever.
Locking in Kuminga also sends a message to the rest of the league and to players in the Warriors’ system. It says that development matters. That the organization believes in its young players and is willing to invest in them. It also gives Kerr and his staff more consistency to work with. Instead of yo-yoing Kuminga between starting and bench roles, they could commit to giving him a clear identity within the team, whether as a starter or high-usage sixth man. Structure and trust go a long way in player development. Kuminga has already shown that when given confidence and minutes, he can deliver.
It’s also worth noting that this upcoming free agency class is not particularly deep. The Warriors aren’t likely to find a better player on the open market who fits their budget. Unless they’re planning a major shake-up involving multiple stars—something that seems unlikely given their cap situation—investing in their internal talent is the most practical move. Retaining Kuminga not only keeps a potential star in the building, but it also preserves a valuable trade asset. If a true star becomes available midseason, Kuminga on a long-term deal could be a central piece in negotiations. But that door only stays open if they keep him now.
In the end, Golden State’s decision on Jonathan Kuminga is about identity. Are they a franchise that still believes in growth, potential, and evolution—or are they clinging to the past and trying to squeeze every last drop out of a historic core? The Warriors can respect their past and still plan for their future. Kuminga gives them that option. He may not be perfect, and he may still have growing to do, but that’s exactly why now is the time to act. Letting him walk would be a mistake. Trading him too soon could be regrettable. But locking him in—committing to his development, his upside, and his future—just might be the smartest move they make this summer.
