The Warriors are in a messy spot with Jonathan Kuminga, and not everyone is impressed with how they’re handling it. Veteran NBA insider Tim Kawakami says Golden State is being “bullied” by a player many still view as a backup, calling it “unbelievable” that the team’s future hinges so much on him.
“I’m surprised the Warriors have been bullied like this by a player that people around the league think is a backup player,” said Kawakami. “This is a backup player, and they’re getting bullied by a backup player… But he is that slot. He’s the only way that they’re gonna get significantly better (via trade).”
This is the type of standoff you might expect from an NBA superstar, but that’s not Jonathan Kuminga. In fact, he’s set to come off the bench behind Jimmy Butler despite seeking $30 million per year.
“One person did say this: ‘For a backup player, it’s unbelievable.’ It is unbelievable a backup player has put the Warriors through this.”
Kuminga was just one of several holdouts in restricted free agency, joining Cam Thomas (accepted qualifying offer) and Josh Giddey (re-signed with Bulls), who have since agreed to return. Meanwhile, after a controversial 2024-25 campaign in Golden State, where his role fluctuated throughout the season, Kuminga began the summer on particularly sour terms with the organization.
So when they refused to cave on his demands of a $30-million per year deal with a player option, that’s when he finally had enough. Despite repeated offers, Kuminga has refused every single one and remains firm in his requirements to re-sign. Even as his other teammates attended Jimmy Butler’s mini-camp, Kumiga was nowhere to be seen in a clear sign that he’s willing to drag this out for as long as possible.
Of course, the damage hasn’t been purely ideological. The standoff has essentially frozen the Warriors’ offseason and left the entire team in a state of uncertainty. Not to mention that they lose out on his scoring in the frontcourt.
Last season, even in his inconsistent role, Kuminga was still good for 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 45.4% shooting. He provided key minutes on the wing and a steady hand to support Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Since Jimmy Butler’s arrival, Kuminga’s role has dipped even further, and he’s expected to come off the bench. While he may be a champion, Kuminga doesn’t have the experience or hardware to earn a spot over Butler, whose arrival sparked a 23-7 run to close out last season.
At this point, it’s pretty clear Kuminga would just rather not play for Golden State. Between his spotty role and contract negotiations, Kuminga believes the Warriors are undervaluing his game. At the very least, he wants the freedom to dictate his own future.
The Warriors have dealt with drama before, but this is a different kind of problem. A young role player is testing their patience, leverage, and culture all at once, and the front office has yet to find a way forward. Whether they pay him, trade him, or continue to drag this out, Kuminga has already changed the conversation in Golden State.
