Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has delivered a strong message about his future in the Bay Area – and it could have major implications for Stephen Curry’s championship window.
According to multiple reports, the 22-year-old rising star has turned down the Warriors’ recent two-year, $45 million offer, which included a team option for the second year. The deal would have stripped him of a player option and the leverage that comes with it, something Kuminga’s camp sees as a non-starter.
Why Kuminga Rejected the Offer
Insiders believe Kuminga’s hesitation goes beyond money.
“The only reason Kuminga hasn’t accepted this contract is because he truly doesn’t want to return to the Warriors,” reported Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Instead of committing long term, Kuminga is now threatening to play on the $7.9 million qualifying offer this season, a move that would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2026. While risky — since one injury could derail his payday — the decision would give him control over his next step.
Interest from Rival Teams
The standoff has already drawn attention from across the NBA. Multiple teams have explored sign-and-trade possibilities, but Golden State has held a high asking price: an unprotected first-round pick and a rotation-level player.
Phoenix Suns reportedly offered Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, multiple second-round picks, and a four-year, $90 million framework that included a player option.
Sacramento Kings initially dangled rookie Devin Carter, veteran Dario Saric, and two second-round picks before upgrading to Malik Monk and a protected first-rounder in a three-year, $63 million setup.
Milwaukee Bucks checked in as well, but talks collapsed after the Warriors demanded Bobby Portis, a player coach Steve Kerr values highly.
Despite those conversations, no deal has matched Phoenix’s four-year, $90 million proposal with a player option, which NBA insider Jake Fischer called the strongest offer so far.
Warriors Stuck Between Present & Future
The situation highlights a deeper challenge for Golden State. Kuminga is one of the few young players capable of bridging the gap between the franchise’s aging core — Curry, Draymond Green, and new arrival Jimmy Butler — and its future. But if he accepts the qualifying offer before the October 1 deadline, the Warriors lose trade flexibility, making it harder to get real value back.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Kuminga’s camp feels Golden State is treating him like a “pawn,” which has only increased tensions.
What It Means for Curry’s Championship Window
For a franchise still chasing another ring before Curry hangs it up, this standoff could not come at a worse time. A prolonged contract battle or the eventual loss of Kuminga would leave the Warriors with fewer options to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference.
Right now, Kuminga’s message is clear: he wants long-term security, a player option, and a bigger role. Unless the Warriors bend, this standoff could derail not only their offseason but also their hopes of making one last title run with Curry.
