Forward Jonathan Kuminga will likely leave the Golden State Warriors in free agency after reduced playing time and the team’s trade for Jimmy Butler. Despite previous rumors, the Brooklyn Nets are unlikely to pursue Kuminga.
Nets Unlikely To Pursue Kuminga In Free Agency
Golden State drafted Kuminga in 2021 with the seventh overall selection. A one-time NBA champion, he has played alongside legends Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. During the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 47 games and started 10 for the Warriors, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Before the season, Kuminga and the Warriors failed to agree on an extension due to financial differences. As a result, speculation grew about his future and whether he would remain in Golden State. An ankle injury limited some of his playing time, while Warriors head coach Steve Kerr’s decisions kept Kuminga moving in and out of the lineup, impacting his role, playing minutes, and consistency.
Kuminga’s Future With Golden State Questionable
Many expected Kerr to give Kuminga a larger role after Klay Thompson’s sign-and-trade in 2024. However, Kerr did not increase his minutes, and the acquisition of Jimmy Butler further fueled speculation about Kuminga’s future.
Although the Warriors have not discussed how Kuminga fits into their plans, their second-round playoff elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves shifted their priorities. Now, the team is focused on finding a defender or center to support Curry, Green, and Butler.
No Offer Sheet Expected From The Nets
Rumors suggested the Nets would pursue Kuminga this offseason to join their rebuilding team. However, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported this week that the Nets will not be going after him. He wrote, “There is not a current expectation that the Brooklyn Nets are preparing an offer sheet for Kuminga, but there are signs Brooklyn could be willing to use its open cap space as a vehicle to execute multi-team trade scenarios this summer, league sources said.”
Although the Nets are unlikely to pursue Kuminga, other teams might see him as a strong sign-and-trade option. He would add offense and defense to a team’s roster, along with valuable playoff and championship experience. Teams that may be interested include the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Wizards.
Decisions To Be Made
The Nets enter the summer facing critical decisions about their future and roster. They must determine whom to draft in June with their four first round picks, whether to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo if he requests a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, and whether to trade Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton or re-sign Cam Thomas.
With the NBA’s most cap space, the Nets have flexibility. Meanwhile, their longtime rivals, the New York Knicks, have consistently reached the playoffs, won games, and closed series. The Nets, still rebuilding, struggle to return to postseason success. For 22 years, they have tried to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2003.
Since Jonathan Kuminga is not a target, the Nets will continue to focus on the draft and shaping the roster before training camp. Meanwhile, Kuminga’s situation with the Warriors remains uncertain.
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