The Golden State Warriors are staring down a pivotal offseason, and all signs point toward a major shake-up involving some key players. The team is unlikely to re-sign restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, while veterans Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II could also be on their way out.
The situation with Kuminga has become especially tense. Despite averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45.4% shooting this past season, his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr appears strained.
A now-viral report revealed that Kerr was “incensed” after Kuminga ignored Stephen Curry during late-season games, opting to create his own offense instead. This led to Kuminga being benched for the regular-season finale and the play-in, and receiving limited minutes in the playoffs. The Warriors reportedly have no interest in offering a max extension, making a sign-and-trade the most realistic outcome.
Kuminga, just 22 years old and a former No. 7 overall pick, still holds significant trade value. A sign-and-trade could bring in a reliable rotation piece or draft assets, particularly for a team that wants to remain competitive around Curry and Jimmy Butler. Teams like the Nets, Hornets, and Magic have been linked as potential trade partners.
Meanwhile, Kevon Looney, a ten-year Warrior and three-time champion, may also be on his way out. Looney played just 15 minutes per game this season and fell out of the playoff rotation.
At 28, he may seek a new team where he can carve out a more consistent role and potentially secure a longer-term deal. He’s been a locker-room leader and a warrior (no pun intended) through injuries, but the frontcourt is crowded, and the Warriors could look to move on.
Gary Payton II, another rotation mainstay, finds himself in a similar spot. Averaging just 15 minutes per game, Payton’s elite perimeter defense remains valuable, but he may be more useful to a team willing to give him a larger role. At 31 and in a contract year, Payton could chase a better opportunity in free agency.
On the other hand, the Warriors are expected to exercise team options on Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos, and Quinten Post. All three are young, affordable, and offer potential as future assets—either as part of the core or in trades. Jackson-Davis showed flashes of rim protection and rebounding. Santos offers wing depth, and Post brings size and a shooting touch as a developmental big.
Less certain are the futures of Kevin Knox and Pat Spencer, both unrestricted free agents. Knox may explore other offers after a quiet year, while Spencer, though well-liked in the locker room, remains on the fringe of the roster.
Ultimately, the Warriors are entering an offseason of retooling—not a full rebuild, but a necessary reshuffle around Curry. Kuminga’s exit feels inevitable, and with Looney and Payton also facing uncertain futures, the dynasty’s supporting cast may soon look very different.
