The Warriors’ Worst Nightmare: They Shockingly Rejected Trading Kuminga For A Franchise-Altering All-Star. Now, As Their Season Crumbles, Are They Regretting The Costliest Decision Of All?

In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Golden State Warriors made a bold decision at last season’s trade deadline, refusing to part with rising star Jonathan Kuminga in a blockbuster deal that brought All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area. Months later, with training camp looming, the unresolved contract extension for the 22-year-old forward has become the defining saga for the Warriors, threatening to unravel their carefully crafted championship aspirations.

Report: Warriors will not trade Jonathan Kuminga this summer | Golden State Of Mind

When the Miami Heat pushed to include Kuminga in the February trade for Butler, the Warriors held their ground. Instead, they sent Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick to Miami. The Heat later used that pick to draft Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakučionis at No. 20. According to Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, the Warriors’ brass—owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.—were unwavering in their stance.

“The last memory Joe and Mike had of JK was him playing great,” Turner revealed on the Dubs Talk podcast. “They weren’t going to just throw him in a deal, especially with Miami, when they knew Miami had to move Jimmy. They’re not giving up Jonathan Kuminga.”

This decision highlighted the immense value Golden State places on Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in 2021, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has occasionally been underutilized in the Warriors’ star-studded lineup.

The Warriors have upped the ante in extension talks, moving from a modest two-year, $45 million offer with a team option to a more substantial three-year, $75.2 million proposal, including $48.3 million guaranteed over the first two seasons. However, Kuminga’s camp is holding firm, demanding a player option in the final year—a clause that could give the young forward more control over his future.

“It’s not just about the money,” Turner emphasized on ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast. “If the Warriors want to win now, if they want a guy who’s happy and treated fairly as a cornerstone of this team, they give him the player option. Sure, it might cost some trade value, but if it’s about the present, you do it.”

The standoff has raised the stakes, with Kuminga’s future hanging in the balance as the Warriors weigh short-term success against long-term stability.

Kuminga’s leverage skyrocketed after a sensational playoff performance last spring. With Stephen Curry sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Warriors leaned heavily on their young forward in a grueling series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kuminga delivered, averaging an eye-popping 24.3 points on 55% shooting, including 38.9% from beyond the arc, while holding his own defensively against All-Star Anthony Edwards.

His two-way dominance kept Golden State competitive despite their depleted roster, silencing critics who questioned his ability to be a “winning player.” Turner was quick to point out Kuminga’s impact: “Pre-Jimmy, the Warriors were 18-14 with JK in the lineup. Without him? 7-12. His presence alone was making a difference.”

Kuminga’s breakout has not gone unnoticed around the league. The Sacramento Kings reportedly offered Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, later sweetening the deal with Malik Monk and a protected first-rounder alongside a three-year, $63 million contract. The Phoenix Suns countered with Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, all available second-round picks, and a four-year, $90 million offer for Kuminga.

But it’s the Miami Heat and other opportunistic franchises that are watching most closely. If Kuminga rejects the Warriors’ extension and opts for the one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer, he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2026—a scenario that has rival teams “salivating,” according to Turner.

“Trust me, the Heat asked for Jonathan Kuminga,” Turner said. “And there are teams out there hoping he takes that qualifying offer.”

For Golden State, Kuminga is more than just a promising talent—he’s a potential bridge to the future as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and now Jimmy Butler navigate the twilight of their careers. Securing him with a long-term deal would solidify the Warriors’ core and extend their championship window. But letting negotiations drag on risks alienating their young star and inviting aggressive offers from rival teams eager to pry him away.

The Warriors’ refusal to include Kuminga in the Butler trade was a bold bet on his potential. Now, as contract talks falter and suitors line up, that gamble could turn into their worst nightmare: losing a homegrown star just as he’s poised to take over the league.