The Golden State Warriors may have resolved Jonathan Kuminga’s contract standoff, but according to multiple reports, the relationship between the team and their young forward remains ‘strained.’
Jake L. Fischer revealed that despite reaching an agreement on a new deal, tensions between the organization and Kuminga have not fully eased.
“The mounting expectation, as a result, is that the Warriors will make Kuminga available in the trade market once he becomes eligible to be dealt on Jan. 15 to see what sort of return is out there for the 22-year-old before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. I’m told that the relationship across this bargaining table, after such long-running talks, is certainly strained.”
The comment confirms what many around the league suspected, that the negotiations, which dragged on for much of the offseason, left some bruised feelings on both sides. Kuminga, who was widely seen as the Warriors’ best young player and future cornerstone, had been frustrated for months about his role and contract situation.
After weeks of speculation and even a brief holdout from team activities, Kuminga and the Warriors eventually agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million extension, according to Shams Charania.
The deal includes a team option and can be renegotiated as soon as next summer, giving the Warriors flexibility while still keeping the 22-year-old under team control.
While the new contract technically ends the standoff, it doesn’t necessarily mend the relationship. Fischer’s report indicates that Golden State could explore trade options once Kuminga becomes eligible to be moved in mid-January, a sign that the organization may be open to reshaping its roster around its veterans, even if it means parting with a promising young talent.
Kuminga’s frustrations aren’t new. He’s voiced disappointment in his limited role in last season, where he often saw inconsistent minutes despite showing flashes of elite athleticism and two-way potential.
Last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three, proving he could handle a larger offensive workload when given consistent minutes.
His growth, however, hasn’t fully aligned with the Warriors’ win-now approach. With Stephen Curry still playing at an All-NBA level and Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler nearing the later stages of their careers, the front office remains focused on maximizing the team’s championship window. That urgency may have clashed with Kuminga’s desire for a larger, long-term role.
The offseason itself was chaotic for Golden State.
The front office had been paralyzed for weeks as they awaited a resolution to Kuminga’s deal, delaying other key signings. Veterans like Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry all committed to join the Warriors during that window, signaling that the franchise remains attractive to experienced players chasing a title.
Still, the lingering uncertainty around Kuminga adds a layer of intrigue heading into the 2025–26 season. Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. will have to manage expectations carefully, both for a player who believes he’s ready for stardom and a roster trying to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference.
If Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors can find common ground and translate that into on-court success, this brief turbulence could be forgotten. But if the tension continues to simmer, January’s trade window could mark the beginning of the end for Kuminga’s time in Golden State.
For now, the deal is done. But the trust? That still seems very much in repair.
