Jonathan Kuminga’s Time in Golden State Nears an End - And the Wizards Might Be Ready to Strike
What started as one of the offseason’s biggest question marks is now reaching its breaking point: Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors appear headed for a split. And after months of tension, trade rumors, and unmet expectations, the writing is finally on the wall - Kuminga needs a fresh start, and the Warriors are ready to move on.
Kuminga’s situation has been simmering for months. The former G League Ignite standout entered the offseason looking for a bigger role - and maybe even a new home.
As a restricted free agent, he drew plenty of interest from teams around the league eager to unlock the potential that made him a lottery pick just a few years ago. One of those teams?
The Washington Wizards, who’ve been quietly searching for a dynamic frontcourt piece to pair with rising star Alex Sarr.
But Golden State held all the cards. With the ability to match any offer sheet, the Warriors weren’t about to let Kuminga walk for nothing.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. made it clear from the jump: if Kuminga was going to leave, it would only be through a trade that made sense for the franchise. That leverage effectively shut down any straightforward free agency exit, forcing interested teams to either pony up a strong trade package or wait things out.
And wait they did.
Now, with the trade deadline approaching and the relationship between player and team reportedly fraying beyond repair, it looks like the Warriors are finally ready to pull the trigger. The mutual agreement to “run it back” for another season has turned into a ticking clock, and both sides seem to know it’s time to move on.
For teams like Washington, patience may be paying off.
A Struggling Season, a Diminished Market
Kuminga’s value has taken a hit this season - and not a small one. His numbers are down across the board: 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while shooting just 43.1% from the field and 32% from deep. Those aren’t disastrous numbers, but they’re a far cry from the flashes he showed during Golden State’s postseason run last year, when his athleticism and energy looked like the makings of a breakout star.
Instead, this season has been defined by frustration. The fit hasn’t been right, the minutes haven’t been consistent, and the chemistry just hasn’t clicked.
The Warriors’ system - built around ball movement, spacing, and veteran savvy - hasn’t always been kind to young, developing players like Kuminga. And now, it’s clear that both sides are ready to move on.
That drop in production has also dropped his trade value. What once might’ve required a first-round pick and a rotation player might now be had for significantly less. And for a rebuilding team like the Wizards, that’s the kind of opportunity you don’t pass up.
Why Washington Makes Sense
Washington has been quietly reshaping its roster with a long-term vision in mind. They’ve got a potential franchise cornerstone in Alex Sarr, and they’re building out a young core that could benefit from a player like Kuminga - someone who still has untapped upside and the physical tools to be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
The Wizards were in the mix for Kuminga over the summer, and with his trade value at a low point, they might be in position to circle back and get him at a discount. For a team that’s not in win-now mode, buying low on a high-upside talent is exactly the kind of move that can pay off big down the line.
The End of the Road in the Bay
As for Golden State, this marks a turning point. The Warriors haven’t been shy about their desire to stay competitive while also developing their younger players, but Kuminga’s situation highlights how difficult that balance can be.
With the core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green still intact, the team is operating on a win-now timeline. And if Kuminga isn’t part of that immediate picture, it makes sense to find him a new home - and get something back while they still can.
There’s still time before the trade deadline, but the direction is clear: Kuminga’s days in a Warriors jersey are numbered. The only question now is which team will pull the trigger - and whether they’ll be the one to finally unlock the player Golden State never quite could.