Warriors sign-and-trade of Jonathan Kuminga faces big roadblock

Warriors sign-and-trade of Jonathan Kuminga faces big roadblock originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Golden State Warriors' summer has been essentially on ice since the 2025-26 season officially tipped off on July 1.

Golden State has made no free agent signings of note, although it did lose its own free agent, reserve center Kevon Looney. The 6-foot-9 UCLA product, who had been the longest-tenured player on the roster outside of only Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, inked a two-season, $16 million deal with the lowly New Orleans Pelicans.

And that's it. The Warriors didn't draft anyone, and they haven't signed anyone new.

Multiple veteran players, who remain free agents, have been linked to Golden State. 

But none have signed — because the Warriors are still trying to agree to terms with 22-year-old restricted free agent power forward Jonathan Kuminga on a new deal.

The 6-foot-8 pro, who won a title with Golden State as a rookie lottery pick in 2022, seems to have grown frustrated by his inconsistent role under head coach Steve Kerr.

With big money committed to future Hall of Famers Curry, Green and Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have limited mechanisms to add major debt. Golden State seems to be the frontrunner to sign free agent former five-time All-Star center/power forward Al Horford, who would clearly supplant the 6-foot-6 Green as the team's more traditionally-sized starting five.

Two 2024-25 Warriors guards, De'Anthony Melton (who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets while injured) and Gary Payton II, are also considered likely to sign with the team. But they'll come cheap.

Ultimately, Kuminga could be Golden State's best trade chip. But the potential of a sign-and-trade for the restricted free agent faces some major hiccups, as Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic notes.

Jonathan Kuminga and Phoenix Suns have mutual interest, but Golden State Warriors likely won't make trade (w/video) #Suns#DubNationhttps://t.co/ifWPXrL9ri

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 5, 2025

A pair of Western Conference lottery squads, the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, have been the two teams most frequently cited as having interest in a sign-and-trade for Kuminga this offseason.  

"The Warriors could entertain a sign-and-trade, but there are first tax apron concerns," Rankin writes. "With the outgoing salary counting as only 50%, the Warriors are likely hard-capped in a sign-and-trade. Sources say Kuminga agreed to a deal paying him $22.5 million the first year. The Suns were reportedly willing to deliver a four-year deal for $90 million, even though league sources have informed The Republic the offer isn’t that high."

In just 47 healthy games last year, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points on .454/.305/.668 shooting splits, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.8 steals a night.

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