The Golden State Warriors' 2024-25 NBA playoff run ended on Wednesday night with a 121-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5. Stephen Curry's series-ending injury proved to be too much for the Warriors to overcome, sending the team into another early offseason.
If the Warriors are looking to bring in new faces this offseason, they'll have to kick some old ones to the curb. Certain Golden State veterans left much to be desired between the regular season and playoffs, making them potential candidates to be kicked to the curb.
That includes one forward who's already on thin ice before the NBA postseason is even over.
Jonathan Kuminga is on Thin Ice to Begin Warriors' Offseason
Now that the Warriors' 2024-25 campaign is over, Jonathan Kuminga could find himself leaving the Bay this offseason. The former NBA G League Ignite product is set to become a restricted free agent once the playoffs wrap up, and his inconsistent play has left his future with the franchise up in the air.
Drafted seventh overall in 2021, Kuminga demonstrated solid potential right out of the gate. His performance improved with each passing year, culminating in the career-highs of 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game he set in 2023-24, all while averaging .529/.321/.746 splits in 74 games (46 starts). The hope was that he would take an even bigger step forward in Year 4.
Instead of continuing his ascent, Kuminga's progress stalled this season. Injuries limited the 22-year-old forward to only 10 starts in 47 outings, resulting in his averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting only 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from deep — both personal-worst percentages.
Kuminga's stats improved in the playoffs, but it was too little, too late by then. The Warriors played better in the postseason when his playing time was capped, proven by their being 0-5 in games where he played 26-plus minutes compared to a 5-2 record when he missed that mark or didn't play at all.
With his being an RFA, the Warriors will have the right to match any offer sent Kuminga's way this offseason. Having said that, it's hard to imagine them doing so with all signs pointing to his exit, especially if any potential suitor doesn't mind overpaying for his services.
If the Warriors do match an offer, it could be because they don't want to lose Kuminga for nothing. A potential sign-and-trade deal would at least see Golden State get something back for the failed top-10 pick, even if it isn't a game-changing All-Star in return.
Kuminga still has plenty of time to turn his career around, but it's clear that he'll need a change in scenery to get there. Expect trade rumors surrounding him to heat up as the Warriors continue to progress through their offseason journey.