Despite how that offseason went, the Warriors aren’t getting rid of Jonathan Kuminga that easily. From his no-show at the official media day, to his sudden $48.5 million u-turn, the forward finally spoke to the media today. Very quickly, the media pried into his thoughts about his future. Specifically, if he sees himself staying in the Bay long term. And this while that contract hasn’t ended the trade rumors for good.
Kuminga’s biggest grudge behind the holdout was that he wanted to be in a team he could positively contribute to. He simply didn’t fit Steve Kerr’s Stephen Curry-centric style. The result was extremely reduced minutes and friction with the head coach and front office.
Despite the situation, the front office refused all trade offers because of co-owner, Joe Lacob’s fondness for the young star and Kuminga’s potentially growing value as a future trade piece deeper into the season. Insiders in the NBA business know Kuminga is likely to be traded sometime during the season. That’s why, when he sat in front of microphones after his third practice with the team, he was asked directly if he plans to stay here long term.
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After a very long awkward pause, “That’s everybody’s goal to be somewhere for longer,” was Kuminga’s cryptic answer. “You never know (how) your future will be determined, but so far I think that’s my goal and that’s what I want to accomplish, just being here for long.”
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The 22-year-old’s almost borrowing words from Curry who’s been positively campaigning for JK’s return. But his words almost seem like a jab to the coach and the front office. Given that the team insistently countered his offers with team option, it’s like him saying they wanted him here and so he’s going to stay.
That is a blessing in disguise, kind of (?) for the team. Unless Kerr underplays Kuminga once more and the desire to leave comes up again. It would also depend on the possibility of a spot opening in other team as the season progresses. Because teams leaguewide are adapting to Kuminga’s contract as we speak.
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Jonathan Kuminga’s longterm plans are still uncertain
Despite signing a two-year, $48.5 million deal, there’s still doubt if Kuminga is willing to contribute to the team irrespective of whether he fits in Kerr’s strategy or not. Stephen Curry had been assuring all week, including on media day when he revealed he had a private conversation with JK and, “that he’ll be committed when he gets here.”
Even when he said it, analysts and former NBA players were predicting a trade. For most of the season, the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns were the frontrunners to get Kuminga. But the Warriors signing Al Horford meant they didn’t need Malik Monk from the Kings and the Suns had already traded the pieces they could to other teams.
But the Suns still have Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, both of equal tradse value to Kuminga. According to some insiders, there is a high possibility that Kuminga could be traded to the Suns for one of them mid-season when the returns are higher.
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If that happens, the other team would have to decline the team option and sign the forward to a multi-year deal in that same range of his current contract. Brook’s base salary of $21 million to Kuminga’s $24 million would be the most viable option before the 2026 trade deadline. Though someone will have to cough up draft picks or another player to equalize the trade. Someone even threw in a possible reunion with Andrew Wiggins if he’s sent to Miami Heat later in the season.
All signs point to JK and the front office figuring a mutually beneficial trade option before February 5, 2026. However, he also told the media on Thursday that the team wants him around “long term,” which makes him positive to contribute meaningfully to the championship aspirations. If Steve Kerr allows.