‪Warriors Rumors: Front Office Plays Safe With Jonathan Kuminga Contract After Troubling Steve Kerr Detail

Golden State’s front office isn’t rushing into anything. They have taken a markedly conservative stance this offseason when it comes to Jonathan Kuminga’s extension—despite public consensus that he’s earned a significant raise. Yet, it’s a move many read as not just a financial decision, but as a reflection of internal misalignment—particularly after Steve Kerr’s postseason rotations triggered friction within the 22-year-old forward’s camp.

But, playoff numbers are just the fuel to the fire already there. Despite averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in the 47 contests in the 2024–25 regular season, Kuminga’s role under Steve Kerr remained inconsistent. Even during his six-game stretch before his ankle injury—when he averaged 24.3 points and eight rebounds—Kerr continued to rotate him in and out. Heading into the playoffs, Kuminga finished that series averaging 20.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in 27.4 minutes per game, despite being out from January to March. And yet, he was benched in early despite that sustained run of form—frustrating his camp and spurring whispers that leadership saw him as more athletic than cerebral fit for their system. 

Now, with free agency well underway, there’s a gap in valuation. Kuminga’s camp is reportedly seeking a deal in the $30 million AAV range, banking on his age, upside, and late-season breakout. Several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, are understood to be willing to meet or come close to that number. Both franchises see him as a starting-caliber forward with untapped offensive creation potential. Golden State, however, has been reluctant to make a long-term commitment of that size—citing roster balance, tax implications, and internal evaluations. But now, with teams circling and pressure mounting, veteran NBA insider Marc Stein has detailed just how far apart the two sides actually are.

“Kuminga’s camp has continued to seek out sign-and-trade opportunities, with Sacramento and Phoenix still regarded as the most determined suitors, but Golden State is said to want a first-round pick in any sign-and-trade deal,” Stein wrote in his latest Substack. “The Suns do not have an available first-round pick to offer.”

Golden State’s demand for a first-round pick in any sign-and-trade has emerged as the primary sticking point. Sacramento remains interested but cautious, while Phoenix, despite its strong pursuit, is unable to offer a first-rounder due to previous trade restrictions. With no immediate takers meeting the Warriors’ valuation, the market has stalled—leaving Kuminga unsigned despite active interest.

The front office’s reported two-year, $40 million offer isn’t without logic. While far below what Kuminga’s camp is seeking, the structure offers Golden State short-term flexibility under the second apron and gives Kuminga a chance to hit unrestricted free agency by age 24. In theory, it could be a functional compromise: a bridge deal that lets the Warriors avoid long-term risk and Kuminga preserve future upside—provided he’s willing to gamble on himself.

This is also the last vestige of the “two-timeline” plan. Wiseman’s gone. Moody’s role is still inconsistent. And Kuminga, once pegged as a franchise bridge between eras, is on the verge of exiting without the team ever fully committing to his development. Golden State had multiple chances to consolidate youth for win-now help but passed—and now, barring a late shift in the market, they risk losing the highest-upside prospect of that experiment for far less than projected.