Jonathan Kuminga’s future in Golden State is far from certain. With the Warriors reportedly leaning toward offering a short-term, trade-friendly deal, the door is open for a potential exit, either through restricted free agency or a sign-and-trade scenario. While Kuminga remains a high-upside talent with explosive athleticism and two-way potential, his fit alongside Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense has always felt uneasy. As the franchise shifts toward a new era, several teams are quietly watching Kuminga’s situation—and could pounce if Golden State decides to move on.
Drafted 7th overall in 2021, Kuminga emerged as the face of the Warriors’ young core. In four seasons so far, he’s averaging 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 50.7% shooting. While still developing, Kuminga has shown flashes of star potential and a drive that suggests he’s far from a finished product. But with the Warriors in a cap crunch and increasingly clashing with his offensive style, it makes sense they might seek sign-and-trade options for the restricted free agent. He’s said to want at least $20+ million per year, but interest across the league is limited on a potential deal.
As it stands, here are four of the top landing spots for Kuminga, should the Warriors let him walk or send him packing in a sign-and-trade.
Suns Reload With High-Upside Wing
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neal, Nick Richards, 2029 second-round pick
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Fresh off a disastrous season with a top-heavy roster, the Suns have tilted the other way as they pivot to the 2025-26 campaign. With Durant gone and Bradley Beal in Los Angeles, Devin Booker is now the only star left. Fortunately, he’s surrounded by a strong supporting cast that includes Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams.
We know the Suns have expressed interest already, but are they willing to pay the price? The Warriors would want depth to expand their rotation, requiring a package of multiple veteran players and at least a second-round pick for giving up someone so young.
Bulls Find New Young Star
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Matas Buzelis
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
The Chicago Bulls have been stuck in purgatory for years, and the best way out may be to start over with a brand-new roster. As one of the longest tenured Bulls, it’s fair to say Nikola Vucevic has overstayed his welcome, and it’s no secret the Bulls are looking to offload his $21 million contract.
As an expiring deal, Vuc would only be a one-year rental for the Warriors (at worst), but it’s not a bad return for Kuminga, especially since the Warriors need a center anyway to fill the frontcourt. Buzelis sweetens the deal as a high-upside prospect, while also helping match salaries depending on Kuminga’s new contract number.
Kings Remake Their Basketball Identity
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
The Kings have already tried and failed to get in on the Kuminga sweepstakes this summer. The word on the street is that their offer was based around Devin Carter and Dario Saric, but they’ll need to give up more in order to close the deal.
While DeRozan (35) may not be the top choice among Warriors fans, he still has enough in the tank to make an impact on the floor. Best of all, he’s an instant bucket-getter who can ease pressure off Steph Curry. Meanwhile, Kuminga would step into a larger role in Sacramento, giving the Kings a long-term wing to develop alongside Keegan Murray.
Bucks Follow Up Turner Signing
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kyle Kuzma, AJ Green
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Following a string of underwhelming seasons, the Bucks are eager to reshape their roster around defense and versatility. With Myles Turner on board, the defense is expected to be much improved, but replacing Kuzma for a two-way wing like Kuminga could further bolster their versatility.
In exchange, the Warriors get a modest package centered around Kyle Kuzma. He’s older and more specialized than Kuminga, but his scoring may prove more reliable (and valuable) for a Warriors team that lacks depth across the roster.
Whether Golden State ultimately trades Kuminga or offers a short-term deal to retain flexibility, it’s clear his long-term fit with the franchise is in question. Several teams around the league could unlock his full potential—and if the Warriors choose to move on, expect the bidding war to start fast.
