The Golden State Warriors held firm at last season’s trade deadline, refusing to include Jonathan Kuminga in the blockbuster deal that brought Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area. Months later, the 22-year-old forward’s unresolved contract extension has become the organization’s defining storyline as training camp approaches.
Warriors Refused to Move Kuminga in Butler Deal
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, revealed this week that the Miami Heat pushed to acquire the versatile forward as part of the February trade that sent Butler to Golden State. Instead, the Warriors shipped out Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick. Miami later used that selection on Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakučionis at No. 20.
“The last memory [Warriors owner] Joe [Lacob] and [general manager] Mike [Dunleavy Jr.] had of JK was him playing great,” Turner said on the Dubs Talk podcast. “So they weren’t going to just throw him in a deal, especially with Miami, when they knew that Miami had to move Jimmy. It was a problem. They’re not going to throw in Jonathan Kuminga.”
That refusal underscored just how highly the Warriors value Kuminga, who has steadily developed but also been marginalized at times since being drafted No. 7 overall in 2021.
Contract Negotiations at a Standstill
Golden State has already raised its offer in extension talks, moving from a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option to a three-year, $75.2 million proposal, which includes $48.3 million guaranteed in the first two seasons. Kuminga’s camp, however, is standing firm on securing a player option in the final year — a sticking point Turner argues is about more than money.
“If [the Warriors] want to win now, if you want a guy that’s happy and treated fairly who is a big part of this team, you give him the player option,” Kuminga’s agent said on ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast. “You do lose a little of that trade value giving that up. But if it’s about the here and now, you give him that.”
Breakout Playoff Stretch Raises Stakes
Kuminga’s leverage grew significantly after his postseason performance last spring. With Stephen Curry sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Warriors turned to their young forward, who responded with a breakout four-game stretch against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kuminga averaged 24.3 points on 55% shooting, including 38.9% from 3-point range, while matching up against Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. His two-way impact stood out, and his scoring punch kept Golden State competitive in the series despite being shorthanded.
“He’s not a winning player? That’s so overblown,” Turner said on the Dubs Talk podcast. “Pre-Jimmy, the Warriors were 18-14 with JK in the lineup. Without him, they were 7-12. Just the fact that he was eating minutes was helping.”
Rival Teams Watching Closely
Kuminga’s growth has not gone unnoticed.
The Kings initially offered Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, later upgrading to Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick with a three-year, $63 million deal. The Phoenix Suns reportedly offered the Warriors Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and all available second-round picks alongside a four-year, $90 million contract for Kuminga.
But rival front offices, including Miami’s, are still tracking Kuminga’s situation. If he declines the Warriors’ extension and signs the one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, he could hit unrestricted free agency in 2026 — a scenario that has other teams “salivating,” Turner said.
“Trust me, the Heat asked for Jonathan Kaminga,” Turner added. “And there are teams salivating that JK takes this qualifying offer.”
Shaping Golden State’s Future
For the Warriors, Kuminga represents more than just a promising young player. His trajectory could help extend the team’s championship window as Curry, Draymond Green, and now Butler navigate the later stages of their careers.
A long-term deal would provide stability around the new star core. However, letting negotiations drag on could attract more suitors and put Golden State at risk of losing one of its most valuable young assets just as he begins to establish himself.
The Warriors bet big on Kuminga by refusing to include him in the Butler trade. Now, the challenge is making sure that the bet pays off.
Warriors Risk Losing Kuminga After Refusing To Trade Him for 6-Time All-Star