Not everything is falling into place for the 22-year-old Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors. Last season, his athletic, free-flowing game didn’t always match Head Coach Steve Kerr’s system, and post Jimmy Butler’s arrival, his role in the team started dwindling even further. Now, as contract talks stall, Kuminga isn’t rushing to re-sign. His camp is asking for a four-year deal worth $25 to $30 million annually. That shows they believe he’s ready for more than just a role player’s check. But the Warriors’ payroll is already at $171 million, barely avoiding the luxury tax apron. Any big contract tightens their options even more.

At Summer League, a Warriors executive explained their stance to Spotrac’s Keith Smith. Their focus, they said, is long-term sustainability. “We’re trying to be responsible. With the aprons and hard caps and all of that, you can’t just throw money around.” The executive made it clear that Kuminga is still valued. “We still love Jonathan. We’re hopeful we can figure out a way to strike a balance that works for him and for us.” But admiration doesn’t change reality. “We’re not going to compromise our roster-building ability now, or in the future.” So while Golden State tries to balance talent and budget, other teams are circling.

Turns out, the Sacramento Kings may already be making their move. During an interview on ESPN1320, Anthony Slater revealed, “Kuminga—you know—had contact with the Kings in the last couple days. And it’s the first time he’s met Scott Perry.” Though the meeting wasn’t in person, Kuminga also spoke with Doug Christie and B.J. Armstrong. “From what I gather, he liked— you know— the pitch that Scott Perry gave.” More importantly, “he’s open‑minded to the idea of Sacramento.” That kind of openness hints that this situation could shift fast. But what exactly did Sacramento pitch?

Slater gave some insight: “You’re talking starting role; you’re talking bigger opportunity than the Warriors are necessarily offering right now.” That, he said, is what Kuminga truly wants: not just money, but a spotlight. With DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine likely not long-term pieces, there’s room for Kuminga to grow. He’d join Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis as foundational players. That’s a path the Warriors can’t promise right now. So, while Golden State hesitates, Sacramento’s window may quietly be opening.

The current situation, as it is turning out, the Warriors won’t be having a comfortable time keeping the Kuminga-Kerr together, but at the same time, they do not wish to let the young talent go cheaply. “There’s another reason why the Warriors don’t want to give Kuminga away for less than his full trade value: Like every other smart team, they’re trying to maintain every asset they’ve got so they’re ready once and if the Giannis Antetokounmpo market heats up.” 

And just like the Kings’ move, the Golden State Warriors, until some time back, were hopeful of bringing in Giannis Antetokounmpo too, as Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard put out. The rumors and trade prospects remain wide open unless there’s a final word by Camp Kuminga. But all this at this point demands more clarity despite one lingering question: how the Warriors will plan out the transition.

Warriors’ offseason remains frozen as Jonathan Kuminga refuses to rush into a deal

Golden State’s offseason is still on hold, and it all centers around Jonathan Kuminga. Shams Charania recently told NBA Today, “The Warriors’ entire offseason has been essentially on pause for one player, and that’s restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.” The franchise hasn’t made any big moves yet, waiting to see how this plays out. Kuminga, meanwhile, is keeping his options open and staying in shape. “He had a good workout,” Charania said, recalling a session he watched in Miami earlier that day.

What stood out most, though, was Kuminga’s mindset. According to Shams, “He did tell me, though, that he is in absolutely no rush on doing a deal with the Warriors right now, and he is not accepting their current offers.” The young forward wants more than just a contract. He’s exploring sign-and-trade options with his agent, Aaron Turner, hoping to find a situation that fits. Golden State can’t move forward with free agency until this situation clears. It’s essentially a standstill with no end in sight.

Kuminga’s desire isn’t just about money; it’s about trust and future value. He was once seen as a major building block when he was picked seventh in the 2021 draft. But in four years with the Warriors, he’s struggled to find that consistent backing. Now, he wants to be in a place where he matters night in, night out. And until that’s secured, he won’t be rushing into any contract, even if it’s coming from the team that originally drafted him.

The tension is mutual. “The Warriors do not want anything that is being offered to them in sign-and-trades,” Charania reported. “On the other hand, with Jonathan Kuminga, he is not ready to move forward with taking any of the Warriors’ current offers.” Meanwhile, teams like the Kings and Suns have come forward. “They’re also offering him an opportunity for significant minutes and a starting-caliber role,” he added. Those offers are exactly what Kuminga craves more than any dollar figure. And until he hears it from Golden State, he’s holding firm.