8 hours ago
The Golden State Warriors could choose to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga in free agency
The Golden State Warriors could choose to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga in free agency
Jonathan Kuminga's long-term future with the Golden State Warriors has been a hot topic of discussion in recent weeks. The explosive forward is heading into restricted free agency. However, his inability to earn a consistent role within Steve Kerr's rotation has led to some debates regarding the Warriors' willingness to pay his market value.
However, it would now seem that Kuminga is more likely to remain in the Bay Area than he is to leave. NBC Sports' Monte Poole recently noted that the common consensus around the NBA is that the franchise will look to retain Kuminga heading into the 2025-26 season.
"The scuttlebutt around the NBA is that the Warriors will very likely find a way to hang onto JK," Poole said. "It doesn't mean he's going to be a long-term answer. They can just move him later."
Kuminga has consistently flashed his upside when given the opportunity. He impressed during the postseason, even when sharing the floor with Jimmy Butler. Still, it's worth noting, that according to ESPN's Bobby Marks, retaining Kuminga could hamstring the Warriors ability to further improve the roster this summer.
"It all depends on Kuminga," Marks said on the "Willard and Dibs" show. "He really controls free agency in Golden State, because if they sign him to a contract and bring him back, that's really it. That's all they can do this offseason."
Golden State has a tough decision ahead. Losing Kuminga would likely entail a sign-and-trade, but that doesn't mean it would hurt the team's wing depth. However, if Kerr can't find a legitimate role for him, then letting hip develop elsewhere in the league may be the best option. Otherwise, the Warriors may find themselves searching for a trade partner next summer, as they look to maximize their return on Kuminga's undoubted talent.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
