The Golden State Warriors' offseason began the moment when the final buzzer sounded during Wednesday's 121-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Warriors fans have spent the last few days accepting the loss, and now it's time to focus on the looming summer months that feature the 2025 NBA draft, as well as the start of free agency.
Warriors fans are already wondering which of their team's free agents will and won't be re-signed, especially Jonathan Kuminga. The pending restricted free agent's development has progressed as Golden State hoped, and his latest playoff performance has left a potential re-signing up in the air.
Warriors GM Open to Re-Signing Jonathan Kuminga This Offseason
Even if Kuminga is currently on thin ice, a potential re-signing doesn't seem too far-fetched based on Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.'s latest comments.
"As far as bringing (Kuminga) back next season, I think it's something we're very interested in doing," Dunleavy told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk on Friday. "When I look at the things JK does well, in terms of getting to the rim, finishing, getting fouled, these are things we greatly need. We know he can bring those to the table. It's not hypothetical."
Kuminga, 22, was drafted seventh overall by the Warriors in 2021. The former NBA G League Ignite phenom improved across his first three seasons, culminating in a 2023-24 performance that saw him average career-highs in points (16.1), rebounds (4.8), field goals per game (6.2), and field-goal percentage (52.9%).
Instead of continuing to another step forward in 2024-25, injuries forced Kuminga's development to stall.
He only averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and personal-worst .454/.305/668 shooting splits in 47 games (10 starts). Even though his production improved in the postseason, he didn't have a positive impact. The Warriors went 0-5 in the games he played 26-plus minutes in, and he was even left inactive four times.
Still, despite that lackluster showing, Dunleavy isn't ready to close the door on the former lottery pick just yet.
"JK has been here for four years. We've worked with him. He's put in a lot of time," the Warriors GM said. "Despite him not playing in some playoff games, I think it's very reasonable and actionable for him to come back."
Only time will tell if the Warriors and Kuminga will eventually put pen to paper. Despite Dunleavy's belief in the 6-foot-8 forward, Golden State could be tempted to move on from Kuminga if it receives a sign-and-trade offer it can't ignore. Besides, a fresh start might benefit both sides if his development has truly stalled.
With free agency opening on July 6, Warriors fans will have more clarity regarding Kuminga's outlook sooner rather than later.