Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga could reportedly be traded once he becomes eligible to be moved on Jan. 15.
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According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Warriors will immediately explore trade scenarios for Kuminga as the team hopes to utilize his $24.3 million salary to find a better win-now fit for their roster.
The Warriors were quiet for most of the offseason as the front office and the 23-year-old could not come to terms on a suitable contract. Kuminga’s camp fought hard for a player option to be included with the Warriors’ offer, but the team never budged.
The restricted free agent had limited options in the offseason, but ultimately chose to return to the Warriors on a two-year, $48.5 million deal following months of mystery. Kuminga was also eligible to accept the Warriors’ one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, which would allow him to test the free agent market after the 2025-26 season.
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Kuminga’s immediate future is clear as he is considered a key piece on the Warriors roster, but the team will look for a trade partner in the coming months. The forward’s deal is the fourth-highest salary on Golden State’s books behind Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
“Now, both sides understand the likelihood of exploring trades when Kuminga is eligible to be moved in mid-January,” Charania writes. “As part of the deal, he is waiving his inherent no-trade clause.”
The Warriors turned down any sign-and-trade offers for Kuminga in the offseason, including serious inquiries from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. The Suns offered a four-year, nearly $90 million deal with a player option, which was exactly the kind of deal Kuminga’s camp had been looking for all offseason long.
Nevertheless, the Warriors weren’t interested in the offers from Sacramento and Phoenix.
While Kuminga’s deal seemingly ended the contract saga between him and the Warriors, the 23-year-old’s future with the franchise is by no means set in stone. With Golden State exploring trade scenarios for Kuminga, it remains to be seen just how long the forward will be on the roster.
By next year, Kuminga could very well be playing for the second team of his NBA career if the Warriors find a better fit for their team.
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