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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a three-point basket against the Houston Rockets.

Golden State Warriors’ restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga is leaning toward accepting the “most attractive” deal on the table: the $7.9 million qualifying offer, a decision that would give him full control of his future while creating a difficult scenario for Golden State, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson reported, citing league sources.

Kuminga, 23, has resisted the Warriors’ current proposal — a two-year, $45 million contract with a team option on the second season. That structure would remove the leverage of a player option and include a waiver of the inherent no-trade clause that comes with a two-year deal.

By turning toward the one-year qualifying offer, Kuminga would secure a path to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026. The move, however, comes with risk: limited financial security if his playing role diminishes or if he suffers an injury.

Warriors’ Trade Flexibility at Stake

Getty Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors huddle during a game.

If Kuminga signs the qualifying offer before the Oct. 1 deadline, the Warriors would lose a valuable trade chip. His $7.9 million salary and the no-trade protections tied to the qualifying offer would significantly limit Golden State’s ability to recoup meaningful assets in a potential trade.

By contrast, the Warriors’ two-year proposal would create a $22.5 million salary slot that could be used in a larger deal to reinforce their aging core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. All three stars are in their mid-to-late 30s, and the franchise has little margin for error as it tries to remain in contention.

Outside Offers and Interest

Kuminga’s camp is emboldened by the strong interest they generated across the league. The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings both presented packages built around starting opportunities and long-term security.

According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, Phoenix offered Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, all available second-round picks, and a four-year, $90 million framework. Sacramento’s initial offer included rookie Devin Carter, veteran forward Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, later raising its offer to guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick tied to a three-year, $63 million deal.

Both scenarios would have given Kuminga the starting power forward role that he has sought but has struggled to secure in Golden State.

Tension Over Role

GettyGolden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga chats with Steve Kerr.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has acknowledged Kuminga’s talent but has been blunt about the difficulty of giving him a bigger role alongside established stars.

“I’ve been asked to win,” Kerr told “The TK Show” in May. “And right now, he’s not a guy who I can say, I’m going to play 38 minutes with the roster we have — Steph, Jimmy and Draymond — and put the puzzle together that way and expect to win.”

Former coach-turned-analyst Stan Van Gundy added that Kuminga’s pursuit of a starting role may not align with his current development.

“He’s only 22, without a lot of experience, so could all this improve? Absolutely,” Van Gundy told The San Francisco Chronicle. “If you’re going to have him out there, you have to play through him. To me, he’s either a primary scorer on a bad team or a bench scorer on a good team.”

A Risky Gamble

Bleacher Report salary cap analyst Eric Pincus has called Kuminga the “trickiest free agent” of the summer. Pincus noted that while the qualifying offer gives Kuminga freedom, it also forces him to leave money on the table.

“While the 22-year-old can take his $8 million qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, he’d lose about $14 million this season,” Pincus wrote. “Prediction: The Warriors don’t budge, and Kuminga ends up taking the offer he doesn’t like, which is probably the best decision he can make under the circumstances.”

For now, Johnson’s report underscores the uncertainty: Kuminga appears prepared to gamble on himself.

By leaning toward the qualifying offer, Kuminga is essentially betting on himself—risking immediate earnings to gain full control over his future. That decision has the potential to upend the Warriors’ roster and salary plans, forcing Golden State into a high-stakes summer where the next move may hinge on the young forward’s gamble.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo