As the Golden State Warriors inch closer to the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season, Jonathan Kuminga‘s future with the franchise has taken on a new level of uncertainty.
While previously the focus was squarely on contract terms, his agent Aaron Turner has now suggested that, absent a satisfactory deal, a trade could be in the cards by midseason.
The indication marks a notable shift in tone from both sides of the negotiation.
Turner, speaking publicly in recent interviews, didn’t shy away from signaling that Kuminga is prepared to accept the Warriors’ $7.9 million qualifying offer if the team fails to include a player option in their proposed deal.
That QO, which comes with restricted status, would allow Kuminga to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Turner said, “There’s a lot of upside if he wants to pick where he wants to go and the opportunity to be an unrestricted free agent in a way better market.”
But more startling is Turner‘s latest admission that there may be a trade ahead.
“And again, another point, we’ll see how it goes, but there’s a good chance he gets traded. And that’s halfway through the year … He doesn’t necessarily know which team that’s going to be …” Turner revealed.
Golden State has reportedly placed several offers on the table. One of the most discussed is a three-year, $75.2 million deal, which guarantees around $48.3 million in the first two seasons.
However, the third year carries a team option, something Kuminga and his camp have pushed back against.
Earlier this offseason, a two-year, $45 million offer was also presented. That too was rejected. Much of the dispute comes down to control and flexibility.
Kuminga is demanding stronger protections and options in any deal, including a player option somewhere, and has expressed dissatisfaction with what he views as overly team-friendly structures.
The qualifying offer remains a live option. Accepting it would mean Kuminga plays the 2025-26 season under restricted free agency terms, and then enters unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Turner and those close to Kuminga appear to view this as a strategic fallback, risky, but potentially rewarding.
“If JK wants to take it, it does have upside … People are going to say, ‘Well, Aaron, there’s not going to be 10 or 12 teams …’ Fine, there’ll be six teams with cap space for the clear-cut under-35 top wing on the market. So there’s a lot of upside.”
What this means for Warriors
For Golden State, the stakes are high. The Warriors still have titles in view, and their core of veterans, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and newly acquired Jimmy Butler, is aging.
Kuminga, just 22, represents youth, athleticism, and upside. Losing him or having his focus elsewhere could affect both depth and morale.
Turner himself warned that the line between business and basketball is getting blurred. “I think it is important, when you have a player this important as JK, to feel good about the business so that the basketball can be the focus.”
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