Two offers, two major roles… and one wall: Warriors block Kuminga from Suns and Kings
May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The contract situation of Jonathan Kuminga continues to make waves in the NBA. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Golden State Warriors have tried to trade their restricted free agent via a sign-and-trade « but haven’t gotten any concrete results » in their negotiations.
Anthony Slater of ESPN specifies that the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have been « the most aggressive teams » in pursuing Kuminga, but no deal has been finalized due to the Warriors’ high demands. Golden State wants to receive « at least » a first-round pick and a young player without taking back any « bad contracts » in return.
The Phoenix Suns are aggressively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga and are offering nearly $70 million more in guaranteed money than the Warriors, per @ShamsCharania
Kuminga has offers worth up to $90 million over four years from the Suns and Kings.
The Warriors are close to ending… pic.twitter.com/Z92zRB9qhp
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 30, 2025
Sacramento pushes hard to convince Kuminga
The 22-year-old Congolese forward met with Kings management this week and is « open » to joining Sacramento. « Kuminga has had contact with the Kings in recent days, » explains Slater. « It was the first time he met Scott Perry, and it wasn’t in person, but it’s the first time he communicated with Scott Perry, Doug Christie, and B.J. Armstrong. From what I understand, he appreciated Scott Perry’s pitch. He’s open to the idea of Sacramento. »
The journalist adds that Sacramento is offering Kuminga « a starting role » and « a bigger opportunity than what the Warriors currently offer. » This sporting aspect seems crucial for the player: « Jonathan Kuminga isn’t just looking for the exact contract he wants in free agency. He’s looking for the opportunity he wants on the court. »
Negotiations at a standstill
The Warriors offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million contract with a team option for 2026-2027. The player’s agent, Aaron Turner, counter-proposed a three-year, $82 million deal. The Kings and Suns reportedly offered around four years, $90 million with a player option in the fourth season.
According to Eric Koreen of The Athletic, the situation reflects a deep misunderstanding: « The Warriors don’t want Kuminga, and Kuminga doesn’t want to be in the Bay. Yet, the Warriors weren’t ready to give up making him a qualifying offer. » Golden State made this $7.9 million one-year offer mainly to « protect the asset » rather than out of sporting conviction.
This contractual deadlock could also prevent Kuminga from participating in AfroBasket with the Democratic Republic of Congo (August 12-24), due to insurance issues related to his free agent status. The forward, who averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 47 games last season, might ultimately accept the qualifying offer to increase his market value before 2026 free agency.
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