There’s no polite way to put it: Jonathan Kuminga has become a ghost in Steve Kerr’s playoff rotation. Despite averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 45.4% shooting during the regular season, the 22-year-old forward has been all but phased out in Golden State’s win-now playoff push. He has only played 26 minutes in this playoff run, averaging 11.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in a single appearance that came in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets.
With Jimmy Butler’s arrival making the Stephen Curry-led Warriors a win-now side, Kuminga’s blend of youth and raw upside just doesn’t align with Steve Kerr’s current blueprint. It’s not a question of talent; it’s a matter of fit, and the fit is seemingly broken.
Kuminga, a restricted free agent this summer, will command attention across the league. With a $10.24 million qualifying offer and limited usage in the postseason so far, the Warriors are staring down the barrel of a sign-and-trade scenario that lets them recoup value rather than lose him for nothing.
And based on body language and behind-the-scenes chatter, it’s clear Kuminga knows his days in the Bay are numbered. He wants to play. He deserves to play. Somewhere else, he could blossom into the two-way force many projected when he went No. 7 overall in the 2021 Draft.
So, where does he go from here? We’ve identified three ideal landing spots that offer him a fresh start, the opportunity to grow, and, most importantly, minutes.
Brooklyn Nets
Proposed Trade Package
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Cameron Johnson, 2025 First-Round Pick (BKN)
The Brooklyn Nets are in a transitional phase, seeking to build around a young core after they blew up the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving experiment a few seasons ago. Acquiring Jonathan Kuminga, a 22-year-old forward with significant upside, aligns with their developmental goals.
Overall, Kuminga has demonstrated potential, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season, with a field goal percentage of 45.4% and a three-point percentage of 30.5%. There is no doubt the young player can boost those numbers to a higher level in the right situation.
On the other end, Cameron Johnson, heading to the Warriors in this scenario, is a proven scorer and shooter. This season, the 29-year-old has averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 47.5% from the field and 39.0% from beyond the arc. His career year makes him a hot commodity around the NBA, and he fits what the Warriors need perfectly.
His ability to stretch the floor would complement Golden State’s offensive schemes, providing immediate impact and experience to a team aiming for another championship run. The inclusion of a 2025 first-round pick adds future value for the Warriors, balancing the trade by offering long-term assets alongside immediate contributions.
For the Nets, this move signifies a commitment to youth and potential, providing Kuminga with an environment conducive to growth and increased responsibility. Meanwhile, the Warriors can swap their disgruntled player for a perfect fit in their offense.
Orlando Magic
Proposed Trade Package
Orlando Magic Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
The Orlando Magic have established a strong defensive identity, ranking 1st in defense this season (allowing only 105.5 PPG). Integrating Jonathan Kuminga into their roster could enhance their athleticism and offensive versatility. Kuminga’s scoring ability and defensive potential make him a valuable addition to a young, dynamic team looking to ascend in the Eastern Conference.
In exchange, the Warriors would receive Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. Isaac, known for his defensive prowess, has averaged 5.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season, contributing significantly on the defensive end with 1.1 blocks per game. Carter Jr. (9.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 0.6 BPG) offers stability in the frontcourt, providing rebounding and interior presence, along with some outside shooting (career 31.6%).
The 2025 and 2027 first-round picks from Orlando add future assets for Golden State, allowing them to maintain competitiveness while planning for their post-Curry future. This trade offers the Magic an opportunity to bolster their offense with Kuminga’s potential, while the Warriors gain defensive strength and future flexibility.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Package
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, 2025 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2027 First-Round Pick (CHI)
The Chicago Bulls are in a phase of retooling, and acquiring Jonathan Kuminga aligns with a youth-oriented strategy. Kuminga’s athleticism and scoring ability could be pivotal in holding down the Bulls’ forward positions, providing a fresh dynamic to their lineup.
Golden State, in return, would acquire Nikola Vucevic, a seasoned center averaging 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, offering immediate frontcourt reinforcement. The Warriors were interested in the big man before this season’s trade deadline, but were put off by the high asking price, so they clearly have the player on their radar.
Ayo Dosunmu adds depth at the guard position (12.3 PPG, 4.5 APG), bringing energy and defensive capabilities. The inclusion of two future first-round picks (2025 and 2027) provides the Warriors with valuable assets for long-term planning or potential future trades.
This trade allows the Bulls to invest in a promising young talent, potentially reshaping their roster’s future around Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Patrick Williams, while the Warriors gain two win-now players to support their current championship aspirations.
