REPORT: Golden State Warriors Finalize Decision to Keep Jonathan Kuminga, End All Trade Speculation as Joe Lacob Reaffirms Faith in Rising Star
In what appears to be a defining stance on the future of one of the league’s most intriguing young players, the Golden State Warriors have made the decision not to trade forward Jonathan Kuminga this summer, according to reporting from Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard. With the front office aligned and Warriors owner Joe Lacob still firmly in Kuminga’s corner, the organization has opted to shut down all trade inquiries regarding the 22-year-old, effectively removing him from the market and making a clear commitment to his future with the franchise. It is the strongest and most direct indication yet that Kuminga will not only remain with the Warriors for the 2025–26 season but will be featured as a key piece in the team’s long-term vision.
The decision comes after months of speculation and ongoing debate around Kuminga’s value relative to Golden State’s win-now priorities. Since entering the league as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga has flashed elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and growing offensive potential. His rise has been steady, if at times inconsistent, but last season marked a major turning point in both his production and how he was perceived internally by the organization. He finished the 2024–25 campaign with career highs in scoring, efficiency, and minutes played, becoming an essential part of the rotation and a critical contributor to the Warriors’ brief playoff run.
While rival executives and analysts have speculated that Kuminga might be used as trade bait in pursuit of a veteran star or draft capital, Kawakami’s report indicates that those hopes have now been extinguished. A high-ranking Warriors source reportedly confirmed that Kuminga will be back next season, regardless of ongoing contract negotiations, and that owner Joe Lacob remains one of his most loyal advocates. According to the report, Lacob has made it known that Kuminga will only be traded if the return is overwhelmingly in Golden State’s favor—described as “real value,” meaning an offer that significantly improves the roster both now and in the future.
That bar, according to multiple sources, has never been met. Though some teams around the league reportedly floated offers including veterans and future draft assets, none rose to the level required to move a player that the Warriors still view as one of the most talented young wings in the NBA. And so, in the absence of a blockbuster return, the team has made its choice: Kuminga stays.
This outcome carries major implications not only for the Warriors but for Kuminga himself. He enters the upcoming season with an elevated role and increased expectations, now operating with the full public backing of ownership and management. The clarity provided by this decision cannot be overstated. Kuminga now knows where he stands. He is not a trade chip. He is a priority. And that confidence is expected to translate directly into his performance on the court, as the Warriors give him a longer leash and larger responsibilities than ever before.
What makes this situation particularly unique is the vocal and ongoing support from Joe Lacob. Known for his active involvement in roster decisions and forward-thinking vision for the franchise, Lacob has long been intrigued by Kuminga’s potential. League insiders say Lacob was one of the main reasons Kuminga was drafted in 2021 and has consistently championed his development even during times when the coaching staff leaned toward veterans. Lacob’s influence in keeping Kuminga speaks to a broader organizational commitment to building a bridge between the dynastic past and a sustainable future. With Stephen Curry still operating at an elite level but clearly entering the final phase of his career, the Warriors are attempting to build a roster that can remain competitive now and well into the post-Curry era. Kuminga is central to that vision.
From a basketball perspective, the fit makes sense. Kuminga’s athleticism, length, and two-way ability provide something the Warriors have lacked since the peak years of Andre Iguodala. He’s capable of guarding multiple positions, rebounding, running in transition, and creating his own shot—traits that become invaluable in both regular season and playoff basketball. While he still has areas of growth, particularly in terms of off-ball movement and three-point consistency, the strides he made last season in decision-making and maturity were enough to convince the Warriors’ leadership that he is ready for more.
Coach Steve Kerr has also grown more comfortable utilizing Kuminga in critical moments. Last season, Kuminga earned late-game minutes in close contests and proved he could contribute under pressure. His athleticism and defense added a layer of versatility to Golden State’s often rigid lineups, and his improved discipline on both ends earned him trust from the coaching staff. In the locker room, teammates have praised his work ethic and patience, especially considering the reduced opportunities he faced early in his career.
The remaining question now revolves around Kuminga’s contract. As a restricted free agent, he has been presented with a $7.9 million qualifying offer for the 2025–26 season. He can either accept that one-year deal and enter unrestricted free agency next summer, or he and the Warriors can work out a long-term extension. Sources indicate both sides are interested in a multi-year agreement, though negotiations are ongoing. Regardless of the contract route, Kuminga’s place on the team is now firmly secured.
This clarity also reshapes the Warriors’ offseason approach. With Kuminga off the market, the front office can now focus on other areas of need without the uncertainty of his status hanging over the team. Golden State is expected to explore options for adding perimeter shooting and backcourt depth, particularly with some veterans aging and others departing via free agency. But the team’s big swing—the one many thought could come in the form of trading Kuminga—is no longer in play. The Warriors have decided to hold their cards, trusting that their internal growth, combined with the veteran leadership of Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson (if re-signed), is enough to remain in the playoff picture and potentially contend.
There’s also a long-term advantage to keeping Kuminga from a salary cap perspective. Under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, managing young, ascending players on team-friendly deals is more critical than ever. Kuminga, who still has untapped potential and an ascending skill set, provides the kind of cost-controlled production that can be the difference between a middling team and a contender. As teams face harsh penalties for exceeding salary cap thresholds, the Warriors know that retaining and developing talent like Kuminga is the smartest way to extend their championship window.
For Kuminga, this is also an opportunity to take the next step in his career. With the drama of trade speculation behind him and the full support of ownership in front of him, the 2025–26 season becomes a proving ground. Can he become a 20-point-per-game scorer? Can he serve as the team’s defensive anchor against opposing wings and guards? Can he consistently knock down the three-point shot and become more than just a slasher? Those are the questions that will define not only his season but potentially the future trajectory of the franchise. If the answer to any of those is yes, then the Warriors’ faith will be rewarded with production that can carry them well into the next era.
There is no more ambiguity. The Golden State Warriors are not trading Jonathan Kuminga. He will be on the roster when the season begins. Joe Lacob continues to believe in him, and the front office sees his value not just in trade negotiations, but on the court, in their locker room, and in their future plans. For a player who has had to fight for every minute, adjust to a complex system, and survive relentless speculation, this moment is more than a transaction—it’s validation.
The Warriors made a decision that wasn’t just about basketball. It was about belief. They believe in Kuminga’s talent. They believe in his trajectory. And most importantly, they believe that his best basketball is still to come—and it will come wearing a Golden State jersey.
