Jonathan Kuminga is unquestionably one of the best players available in NBA free agency, but there are strings attached with the Golden State Warriors’ swingman. As a restricted free agent, the Warriors can match any offer that comes their way to retain their own talent.
However, it’s no secret that the Warriors have been trying to trade the former lottery pick for a package that suits their needs. Though the trade winds on Kuminga have tailed off drastically in recent weeks.
According to NBA insider Zach Lowe via The Zach Lowe Show, the Warriors’ outlandish trade demands has cratered interest in Kuminga, making an agreement unlikely in the very near future.
“From what I’ve heard in the Jonathan Kuminga situation, I’m not sure what you’ve heard, this might take a while because I think the Warriors want real stuff back, like a decent young player, a first-round pick,”
Zach Lowe on Jonathan Kuminga trade
While other players such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, have changed teams for the mere price of a pair of second-round picks, the Warriors have more leverage with Kuminga, being that he’s a restricted free agent.
Ultimately, this feels like a situation that could take several more weeks to play out. Who knows, Kuminga may even wind up back in a Warriors uniform next season.
Still just 22 years old, perhaps another team becomes sold on the high ceiling of the former No. 7 overall pick and finally meets the Warriors’ trade demands. Though, according to Lowe, that could “take a while.”
