Selected as the seventh overall pick in 2021 by the Golden State Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga quickly found himself starting 12 games in the rookie season itself. However, despite a solid run and an even better third season, turned down a five-year, $150 million extension from the Warriors, betting big on his breakout last off season. However, the gamble aged like milk. Instead of rising, the 2024-25 season spun backward for the 22-year-old. The wing found his role reduced last season.

In his career-low starts of just 10 games, Kuminga had already defined his thoughts, “I already know that I’m ready. The more you keep telling me to get ready, it becomes kind of irritating.” Still, he managed 15.3 points on 45.4% shooting from the field with 4.6 rebounds. He even showed flashes as the MVP in that brutal second-round loss to the Wolves. However, what he’s looking for is to be “featured part of the core with the belief of the franchise and coaching staff behind him.” And so, the Warriors began making calls for a possible sign-and-trade option.

However, the wish didn’t come with a condition for the forward. The Warriors extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to him to maintain the ability to match any contract he signs. They even have their price set– a young talent and a first-rounder. The Sacramento Kings tested the waters with Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two seconds. The Dubs, however, weren’t biting—yet, calling it a “buy-low attempt.” Now, the fourth day of Kuminga’s free agency has just passed, and no movement happened in the Bay. But there has been an update of another candidate just creeping into the scene according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.

He reported: “The Washington Wizards entered the mix in the last 24 hours, and the idea of Kuminga as a possible fit in Washington’s rebuild has gained real momentum, according to league sources. The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets have also registered varying levels of interest.” Simply put, an intriguing 5-team trade talk has presented itself before Mike Dunleavy & Co.

Keep in mind, this market’s been brutal for restricted free agents. Kuminga’s just one name caught in the stall. Teams have left Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, and Cam Thomas waiting in limbo, too. As day five creeps in, so does the tension. The deals aren’t landing. The calls feel colder. And across the board, young talent waits while the clock keeps ticking.

Slater also mentioned that Jonathan Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, want more than minutes. The Golden State Warriors’ overlooked forward wants a franchise to trust him, feature him, and fully believe in his future. After four years of mixed signals with the Warriors, Kuminga finally holds some power—and he’s using it with precision. He’s not rushing. He’s waiting for a team bold enough to match his fire and ambition.

If this chess match stretches into the Summer League, Vegas could host high-stakes meetings. Face-to-face talks with interested teams are on deck. Meanwhile, the Warriors haven’t walked away either. A sit down involving Kuminga, Turner, GM Mike Dunleavy, and Steve Kerr is already in the works if things stall into next week.

Meanwhile, there is a bigger development in the story for the Bay Area other than JK’s odd situation. You see, too many stars have hit free agency this offseason. There is Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook is heading towards one, and Al Horford, the Celtics’ big man, who might be on his way to the Chase Center. At least, that’s what veteran insiders of the league strongly believe.

While 5 teams chase Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford drops a plot twist

After DeAndre Ayton joined the Lakers, big men vanished fast, and the Warriors still need one. But according to Bill Simmons, help is practically packed and on the way. “Horford’s going to Golden State,” he claimed on The Bill Simmons Podcast. Rob Mahoney backed it up, adding, “That’s basically treated as a foregone conclusion around the league right now.” Simmons doubled down: “It’s happening.”

Horford, now a free agent after a two-year, $19.5 million run with the Celtics, has caught attention league-wide, including from the Lakers. Yet, the Golden State Warriors seem laser focused. Per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Horford is a “top target” once talks heat up. Stein didn’t hold back either, reporting, “All indications continue to point to Al Horford landing in Golden State – sooner or later. Sunday will be the first day of the 2025-26 salary cap year when NBA teams will be able to make most free agent signings and disposals official.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Slater jumped in too, claiming “many in the league continue to link Al Horford to the Warriors as a preferred target.” The 39-year-old averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 60 regular-season games, starting 42 of them. In the playoffs, he delivered 8.0 points and 6.0 boards per game. As Sunday nears, the 2025-26 salary cap window opens. And with it, Golden State’s rumored new chapter might finally go ink-to-paper.

Somewhere between a five-team chessboard and a Marc Stein prophecy, the Bay is cooking something wild. Jonathan Kuminga’s plot thickens by the hour, while Al Horford’s script feels nearly final. Deals are stalling, eyes are watching, and Vegas might host the next twist. So stay close. Because whether it’s trust, trades, or towering vets, the Warriors are playing for keeps—and the credits aren’t rolling yet.