The Golden State Warriors have been unusually quiet this offseason—and that might be by design. While other teams scramble to reshape their rosters, Golden State has remained in a holding pattern. No trades. No free agent signings. And no resolution with Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga’s restricted free agency standoff is now dragging into the end of July, with no clear end in sight. The Warriors haven’t budged, and per ESPN, they’re unwilling to move him for anything less than his full value—which reportedly includes a first-round pick, a promising young player, and no bad contracts.
But perhaps there’s another reason for the deadlock—one that may quietly involve Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Warriors Keeping Assets in Case Giannis Becomes Available
According to Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard, the Warriors are preserving every trade chip they have in case the Milwaukee Bucks superstar hits the market.
“There’s another reason why the Warriors don’t want to give Kuminga away for less than his full trade value,” Kawakami wrote.
“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.”
Kawakami made it clear this isn’t about the Warriors expecting Giannis to demand a trade tomorrow—or even preferring the Bay Area. But if a deal becomes possible, Golden State wants to be ready to strike.
“If you’re looking to build a trade around a young player who could step right into a barren roster and give a transitioning team a burst of energy… well, I think the Warriors might have a candidate to bring up if Milwaukee ever asks.”
Golden State Playing the Long Game With Kuminga
GettyJonathon Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors.
Kuminga has shown no urgency to reach a deal. Golden State, for its part, is being deliberate. Teams like the Suns and Kings have expressed interest, but none have made offers that meet the team’s standards.
The standoff may seem like stubbornness—but as Tim Kawakami suggests, it’s perhaps something more strategic.
With a player like Giannis potentially in play, even the slimmest possibility demands patience. Whether Golden State is holding onto Kuminga until they get an offer that meets their asking price — like a first-round pick or the kind of value they believe he’s worth — or keeping him as a potential centerpiece in a future superstar deal, the approach appears intentional. These windows don’t open often — and if the Greek Freak ever signals he wants out, Golden State plans to be ready.
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