5 landing spots for Jonathan Kuminga in free agency following failed extension negotiations with Warriors
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga will be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025 as no agreement between him and the team was reached for a contract extension. The deadline for extending his contract lapsed on Oct. 21, leaving uncertainty about his future with the Warriors.
Kuminga is in the final year of his four-year, $24.8 million rookie contract with the Warriors. The forward had sought a maximum extension from the organization that would have made him the second-highest-paid player on the roster, just behind 10-time All-Star guard Steph Curry.
The fourth-year player out of the NBA G League Ignite had reportedly targeted a deal similar to that of Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner. The Magic forward signed a five-year, $224 million rookie contract extension during the offseason.
There's still an option for the Warriors to retain the restricted free agent next summer, but here are five teams that could pursue him during the 2025 free agency.
Also read: Jonathan Kuminga reveals coach Steve Kerr's clear directive following hot 3-point shooting vs. Kings
5 teams that could sign Jonathan Kuminga in the 2025 free agency
#5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to contend while Joel Embiid is in his prime. Adding a player like Jonathan Kuminga could increase their chance of winning the NBA championship. Also, there have been rumors about the Sixers taking an interest in trading for Kuminga.
According to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, the Sixers are willing to spend to help the stars achieve their goal of winning the title.
"The Sixers have definitely indicated around the league and behind the scenes that they are willing to pay and add in another piece right now," Fischer reported.
#4. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have a promising young core, with Alex Sarr leading the way. As a non-contending team, the Wizards could be a fitting place for Kuminga to unleash his abilities, especially if they offer him a deal close to what he sought from Golden State.
The Wizards showed they are willing to spend for their players. In 2023, they signed Kyle Kuzma to a four-year, $102 million and also absorbed Jordan Poole's four-year, $128 million contract from the Warriors.
#3. Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets' potential pursuit of Kuminga is similar to the Wizards' situation: The organization has money to spend. Adding the 22-year-old to their core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges could turn them into a playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
Two of their highest-paid players are Ball and Bridges. This season, they will earn $35 million and $27 million, respectively.
#2. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls reportedly engaged with the Warriors in a potential trade in February. However, it did not push through since the Bulls weren't interested in trading Alex Caruso for Jonathan Kuminga. Caruso is no longer with the Bulls, but, they could revisit the option of adding Kuminga.
Salary-wise, the Bulls are paying three players over $20 million this season. While Kuminga may not receive the contract he desires, it presents a fresh start for him.
#1. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have kept tabs on Jonathan Kuminga for quite some time now. While they don't plan on giving up any assets for the 6-foot-8 forward, they are projected to have $80.1 million in cap space next season.
Fischer reported after Kuminga's extension deadline lapsed that Brooklyn plans to pursue the forward in the summer of 2025.
"The Nets are going to be a stalking horse for everyone," Fischer said. "There's already been rumblings of Brooklyn potentially willing to throw a big offer sheet at Jonathan Kuminga."
Also read: NBA insider reports Warriors reluctant to offer Jonathan Kuminga $224,000,000 max extension