Siegel’s Scoop: Jonathan Kuminga’s Free Agency & Warriors Outlook
Golden State’s young forward Jonathan Kuminga is poised at the center of the Warriors’ offseason chessboard, with his restricted free agent (RFA) status, on-court ambitions, and potential fit shaping the team’s direction. Here’s what Siegel’s and other insiders are reporting—and what it could mean for Kuminga and Golden State.
1. Qualifying Offer Securely in Place
On June 28, the Warriors formally extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to Kuminga, retaining their right to match any contract another team presents (si.com, sfchronicle.com). This is the expected first move in the RFA process, giving Golden State a priority window to either match or counter offers.
2. Kuminga Wants Bigger Role — Beyond “Complementary”
Kuminga has been transparent about his aspirations. In interviews with The Athletic, he emphasized that he’s ready for a starring role, aiming to be relied upon and dreaming of becoming a multi-time All-Star (sfgate.com). He’s expressed frustration with limited court time—even though he excelled during Curry’s absence, posting 24.3 ppg in the 2025 playoffs (profootballnetwork.com). The Universal goal: more than a spark plug—he wants to drive a team.
Meanwhile, head coach Steve Kerr envisions Kuminga complementing the unit—a versatile “Shawn Marion–type” piece rather than the primary offensive engine (reddit.com, sfgate.com). That role tension is at the heart of Kuminga’s RFA tension.
3. Front Office Strategy & Salary Cap Dynamics
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports the Warriors won’t rush to offer a max-level contract—capping flexibility around $30 million per year—and believe the market for Kuminga will be soft (reddit.com). Owner Joe Lacob has voiced optimism that the team can match most competitor offers, calling Kuminga part of the organizational family (nbcsportsbayarea.com).
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Bobby Marks projects a modest contract—around 3 years, $81 million with a player option—offering Golden State financial flexibility while controlling future cap space (nbcsportsbayarea.com). Marks emphasized that “it all comes down to Kuminga” and his decision (si.com).
4. Exploring Sign‑and‑Trade or Staying Put?
Several NBA insiders—scouts and executives—suggest a sign-and-trade could be the best route for all parties (bleacherreport.com). Michael Scotto of HoopsHype identifies Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat as the most likely destinations if Golden State pursues that path (bballrumors.com). Internally, there’s also openness to a direct trade for a proven All-Star talent, though franchises aren’t ready to part with big assets unless the returns justify it .
The Bulls’ mid‑season interest and Heat’s deep pockets make them logical bidders—but Chicago’s recent Isaac Okoro acquisition may reduce their appetite (si.com).
5. Roster Context: Steph, Butler, Draymond & Injured Guards
The Warriors’ core trio—Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler—already commands ~$140 million. Cap-wise, bringing back Kuminga for more than $30 million per season could force trade-offs in adding new pieces (si.com).
With returning assets like Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and freshly drafted second‑rounders joining the fold, retaining Kuminga—or trading him—will significantly shape Golden State’s flexibility and style heading into the 2025–26 season (sfchronicle.com).
6. What’s Next? Timeline & Key Dates
- June 30: Tampering window opens. Teams can begin negotiating offer sheets.
- End of June–Early July: Kuminga reviews potential offer sheets; Warriors consider sign‑and‑trade options.
- Early July: Likely resolution—either follow-through with matching, an agreement on new terms, or executing a sign‑and‑trade.
Final Take
Golden State holds the cards in terms of matching offers, but Kuminga holds the ambition. If he wants a true starring role, he may view a team like Chicago or Miami as a better stage. Still, if the Warriors can present a compelling vision—a clear spot on this championship-aspiring team, backed with the flexibility to fill surrounding pieces—he may stay.
Either way, this saga stands to drive—and define—the Warriors’ offseason: they’ll either reinvest in their young athlete, or cash in on offer sheet leverage and trade value to refortify their championship core.
Bottom line: With Siegel’s insider lens, Kuminga’s free agency is the linchpin of Golden State’s summer. Expect fireworks: from contract negotiations and cap strategy to possible trade churn. This decision could tip whether the Warriors remain contenders or pivot directionally.
