Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors remains uncertain, but Golden State isn’t ready to move on from the young forward just yet.
Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Golden State Warriors remains one of the more intriguing storylines as the franchise navigates its current transition phase. While uncertainty hovers around his long-term role within the team, what is abundantly clear is that the Warriors are not yet prepared to close the book on the talented young forward. At just 21 years old, Kuminga represents both the potential of a promising future and the complexities of blending youthful energy with a veteran core that has defined a dynasty. For a team still trying to maximize the remaining years of Stephen Curry’s prime while also laying groundwork for a new era, Kuminga finds himself at the center of a delicate balancing act.
Ever since he was selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga has been viewed as a high-upside prospect with elite athleticism, raw talent, and the kind of physical gifts that can’t be taught. Standing at 6’7” with a chiseled frame, long arms, and an explosive vertical leap, Kuminga’s tools have long fascinated coaches and front offices across the league. But in Golden State—a franchise known for its complex system of ball movement, spacing, and basketball IQ—raw talent doesn’t always translate immediately into on-court production. That has been both the opportunity and challenge for Kuminga.
Over the course of his first three seasons, Kuminga has had moments of brilliance. There have been games where he has looked like the future face of the franchise—attacking the rim with force, defending multiple positions, and flashing an improving jump shot. But consistency has eluded him, partly due to inconsistent playing time and partly due to his own development curve. With head coach Steve Kerr often leaning on veterans in high-pressure situations, Kuminga has had to earn his minutes the hard way, fighting for every opportunity on a roster full of championship experience.
Still, even as trade rumors and speculation swirl around him—especially with the Warriors exploring options to revamp their roster following a disappointing season—there remains a strong sense within the organization that Kuminga is too talented to give up on. League sources and insiders have repeatedly emphasized that Golden State’s front office still believes in his long-term potential. They see a player who, if given the right development and patience, could blossom into a two-way star.
Part of the difficulty in evaluating Kuminga’s future is the broader identity shift the Warriors are undergoing. With Draymond Green aging and Klay Thompson now departed, the core group that brought four championships to the Bay Area is slowly giving way to a younger generation. And yet, with Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level, there is pressure to remain competitive. The team is in the uncomfortable position of trying to win now while also preparing for what comes next. Kuminga sits right at that crossroads—too good to ignore, too raw to fully rely on just yet.
This past season, Kuminga took a noticeable step forward. He averaged a career-high in points, shot more efficiently from the field, and began to show more poise in his decision-making. There were stretches during the season where he was arguably the team’s most dynamic player. His ability to get downhill and pressure defenses brought a different dimension to the Warriors’ offense—something they sorely needed. And defensively, his length and athleticism allowed him to guard multiple positions, including elite wings.
Still, there were growing pains. At times, he struggled with defensive rotations, and his off-ball awareness wasn’t always where it needed to be. Kerr, known for demanding high-IQ basketball, didn’t always trust Kuminga in crunch time. But behind the scenes, coaches and player development staff continued to invest in him, focusing on turning those raw flashes into polished skill sets. His work ethic and willingness to improve have not gone unnoticed.
Trade talks have been inevitable, especially given the Warriors’ desire to retool around Curry while they still can. Kuminga’s name has come up in conversations—he’s one of the few assets on the roster that could fetch significant return value. But that’s exactly why the Warriors are hesitant to let him go. In a league where young, athletic wings who can create their own shot and guard multiple positions are at a premium, Kuminga represents a rare commodity.
Moreover, the Warriors are acutely aware of the risk involved in trading away a player like him too early. The NBA is filled with cautionary tales of teams giving up on young prospects who later flourish elsewhere. The fear of seeing Kuminga become a star on another team is real, especially when they’ve already invested years into his development. And from all indications, Kuminga wants to be in Golden State. He’s expressed a desire to grow within the system and contribute to the next chapter of Warriors basketball.
Golden State’s front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., appears to be approaching Kuminga’s situation with caution and foresight. They understand that the timeline of Curry and the timeline of Kuminga don’t perfectly align, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are incompatible. The idea is to build a bridge between eras, and if Kuminga continues to mature both on and off the court, he could very well be that bridge.
The offseason has brought speculation that the Warriors might pursue another big name, whether through free agency or trade. Names like Paul George and Pascal Siakam have floated in media circles as possible targets. But acquiring such talent would almost certainly require parting with Kuminga, and that’s not a move the organization takes lightly. They recognize that short-term gains can sometimes come at long-term costs—and they aren’t ready to mortgage the future unless the return is absolutely transformational.
Another layer to the equation is Kuminga’s fit alongside other young players like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. If the Warriors are indeed pivoting toward a more youth-involved approach, Kuminga becomes even more critical to that vision. His ability to be a go-to scorer, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him a foundational piece—if he can put it all together.
There’s also a cultural component. The Warriors have built their identity around loyalty, continuity, and player development. From the early days of Curry and Thompson to the emergence of Jordan Poole before his departure, Golden State has shown a willingness to nurture its own. Kuminga is now the next test of that philosophy. Do they believe in their ability to mold him into the star he has the tools to become? Or do they opt for immediate results in a win-now push that may yield diminishing returns down the line?
In the locker room, Kuminga has reportedly grown into a more vocal and confident presence. He’s learning from veterans while also asserting himself as part of the team’s future leadership. That kind of growth doesn’t show up in box scores but is essential in shaping the culture of a team in transition. Coaches and teammates have noted his increased maturity and focus, and those intangibles could be the very reason Golden State keeps betting on him.
No decision surrounding Kuminga will come easily. The Warriors are at a fork in the road—one path leads toward maximizing what’s left of the dynasty, and the other leans into a future built around youth and long-term development. Kuminga, more than any player on the roster, symbolizes that tension. Trading him could bring a proven star, but keeping him could unlock a future cornerstone.
For now, Golden State seems to be erring on the side of patience. They aren’t closing any doors, but they’re also not rushing to open new ones. They’re evaluating, watching, and waiting—hoping that their investment in Kuminga will pay off the way it once did with Curry, Thompson, and Green. In a league driven by instant results and short-term thinking, the Warriors’ commitment to developing Kuminga speaks volumes.
As the offseason continues and training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Kuminga. Will he take the next leap in his evolution? Will he cement himself as an indispensable piece of the Warriors’ future? Or will the team ultimately decide that the timing just isn’t right?
One thing is certain: Golden State isn’t ready to give up on Jonathan Kuminga—not yet. They’ve seen the flashes. They’ve invested in the process. And for a team that has built a dynasty on belief, Kuminga’s story is far from over.
