Jonathan Kuminga saw his value take a dip in 2024-25 as his production took a major step back in the final year of his rookie contract. The Golden State Warriors forward averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field, 30.5% from three-point range and 66.8% from the free-throw line.
While he found himself out of the rotation at times during the postseason, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft likely recouped some of the money lost following Stephen Curry’s injury. In the four games without Golden State’s superstar point guard, Kuminga averaged 24.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.8 spg and 0.5 bpg on 55.4/38.9/72.0 shooting splits.
Although the Warriors were bounced in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kuminga could draw plenty of interest this summer. A recent prediction suggested that the 2022 NBA champion could leave Golden State for a lucrative payday.
“The Nets have most often been mentioned as Kuminga’s potential poacher, and Brooklyn still seems his likeliest landing spot if he heads elsewhere,” Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley wrote Wednesday. “The Nets have the most money to spend, plus they have clear needs for creation, scoring, athleticism and general potential. The questions, then, are two-fold: What will it cost to fend off the Warriors, and would this require a sign-and-trade to get down? The answers are unknown at this time, but it feels like he’ll get less than the $30 million-plus salary he reportedly sought before the season, and it would be easiest for everyone involved if a sign-and-trade comes together. Even if Golden State is less than convinced Kuminga is a long-term fit for the team, it will want to recoup something for the asset. Look for the Warriors to work out a sign-and-trade with the Nets that gets him a four-year deal in the $100 million range and delivers the Dubs three-and-D ace Cameron Johnson.”
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Kuminga will be a restricted free agent this summer, giving the Warriors the opportunity to match any offer that he receives. His role with the franchise, however, remains unclear, which could open the door for a sign-and-trade. While Brooklyn has been linked to a pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, they could turn their attention elsewhere if they are unable to land the two-time MVP.
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