Golden State Warriors Reportedly Refuse to Trade Jonathan Kuminga This Summer, Committed to His Development and Roster Spot Next Season

The Golden State Warriors are drawing a line in the sand this summer when it comes to one of their most promising young assets. According to veteran NBA reporter Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard, the Warriors have no plans to trade forward Jonathan Kuminga and intend to keep him firmly in their plans for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Despite multiple teams around the league reportedly expressing interest in the explosive wing, Warriors owner Joe Lacob remains a vocal supporter of Kuminga’s upside and is not willing to move him unless the return is significant and represents “real value” to the franchise.

This stance may come as a surprise to some observers who expected a shakeup in Golden State’s roster following a disappointing end to the 2024-25 campaign. After missing the playoffs, the franchise faced growing questions about its ability to remain competitive in the twilight of Stephen Curry’s career. Rumors circulated all offseason that Kuminga might be the key piece in a blockbuster trade — perhaps even a centerpiece in a potential offer for a superstar such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Pascal Siakam. But with free agency moves already shifting the league landscape and many top names staying put or already dealt, the Warriors’ front office appears to have pivoted from potential trades to internal development.

Jonathan Kuminga, who just turned 23, is coming off his most productive season yet in a Warriors uniform. The 6-foot-8 Congolese forward averaged a career-high 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on 52.7 percent shooting. His improved mid-range jumper, better decision-making, and explosive finishes around the rim became bright spots during a rocky season. But perhaps more importantly, Kuminga’s defense and maturity have taken a leap forward, giving Golden State hope that he can evolve into a two-way star — something they’ve long envisioned since selecting him with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Joe Lacob has always been bullish on the Warriors’ ability to both compete and develop. He famously championed the two-timeline plan — a delicate balance of contending with veterans while simultaneously grooming young talent for the future. While that approach has met with mixed success, Kuminga stands out as the crown jewel of that philosophy. Lacob reportedly views him as a player with “untapped All-Star potential,” according to Kawakami, and the franchise is willing to ride out growing pains in hopes of unlocking that ceiling. The message from ownership is clear: Kuminga is not just a trade chip. He’s a foundational player.

Internally, Kuminga’s decision-making, confidence, and ability to absorb coaching have all improved. Warriors staff were particularly encouraged by his stretch of games midseason, when he consistently produced double-digit scoring while being tasked with guarding top opposing wings. His frame, athleticism, and defensive instincts make him a rare breed in today’s NBA — a forward capable of switching across four positions while creating his own shot on the other end. While the game still needs to slow down for him in the halfcourt and his outside shooting remains a work in progress, the Warriors believe those areas will continue to develop under the mentorship of veterans like Curry and Draymond Green.

Golden State’s coaching staff, led by Steve Kerr, has also begun to show more trust in Kuminga. Unlike earlier in his career, when he was frequently benched for defensive lapses or trying to do too much offensively, Kuminga was allowed to play through mistakes this past season. Kerr has lauded his improved patience and willingness to stay within the offense — particularly during high-pressure situations. With the departure of Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, minutes have opened up on the wing, and the organization expects Kuminga to assume an even larger offensive role next year. His ability to run in transition and provide secondary scoring behind Curry and Andrew Wiggins makes him vital to any hopes of playoff contention.

There’s also a financial angle to the Warriors’ reported refusal to trade Kuminga. While the team is still facing luxury tax implications and payroll constraints, Kuminga remains on a cost-controlled rookie contract — at least for now. He’s eligible for an extension this offseason, and early indications are that the Warriors want to negotiate a deal before he hits restricted free agency. Locking him up now could be both a bargain and a signal of long-term commitment. Should Kuminga take another leap next season, his price tag would only rise, and keeping him now gives the Warriors negotiating leverage while still maintaining roster flexibility.

It’s not for lack of offers that Kuminga remains a Warrior. According to league sources cited by Kawakami, at least six teams made serious inquiries this offseason about his availability, some dangling multiple first-round picks or veteran contributors. But none of the packages presented the combination of upside, cost-effectiveness, and timeline fit the Warriors were looking for. One team reportedly offered a young center and two late first-rounders, but Golden State quickly declined. Another Eastern Conference team floated a sign-and-trade scenario involving a high-scoring guard, but the Warriors didn’t bite, citing Kuminga’s importance to their long-term vision.

Even inside the Warriors’ locker room, there is growing belief in Kuminga’s evolution. Several teammates have praised his work ethic and quiet leadership, noting that he’s become more vocal in team meetings and has taken younger players under his wing. Draymond Green, who has not always been complimentary of younger players, said late last season that Kuminga “gets it now” and has “figured out what winning basketball looks like.” That sort of endorsement matters in a locker room built on championship culture and accountability.

As the Warriors try to retool around their core without fully dismantling it, Kuminga’s presence becomes even more crucial. He bridges the gap between eras — a young, athletic forward with the tools to eventually lead the franchise into the post-Curry future. Whether he eventually becomes that player remains to be seen, but for now, Golden State isn’t interested in finding out elsewhere. Their commitment to Kuminga signals a belief that he’s worth the patience, the minutes, and the investment.

This report also provides some insight into the Warriors’ broader strategy moving forward. Rather than chasing another short-term splash, the front office appears committed to maintaining flexibility and letting internal growth lead the way. Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, who both made strides last year, are expected to have bigger roles, and the team’s draft selections indicate a focus on athleticism and two-way versatility. But Kuminga remains the centerpiece of that youth movement, the one player the front office has consistently protected from trade talks — a signal of how highly they value his potential.

As training camp nears, the Warriors will continue evaluating the pieces around Kuminga, including how new additions fit the system and how to maximize spacing with his slashing style. But one thing is now crystal clear: barring a massive offer, Jonathan Kuminga will be in a Golden State uniform when the 2025-26 season tips off. And the Warriors wouldn’t have it any other way.

In a league defined by star-chasing and rapid roster reshuffling, Golden State’s stance is refreshingly firm. They’re betting that the best version of Jonathan Kuminga has yet to come — and they plan to be the ones to unleash it.