The Warriors and the Bucks were rumored to be cooking something involving Jonathan Kuminga, but the potential trade hit a stall after Golden State went too far with their asking price for the restricted free agent.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Bucks explored the idea of pursuing Kuminga during the offseason. However, the Warriors reportedly made it clear they would only entertain a sign-and-trade deal if Bobby Portis was included.
“It is also worth mentioning that the Milwaukee Bucks were another team that kicked around the idea of pursuing Kuminga,” Siegel wrote. “If they were to do so, the Warriors made it known they would want Bobby Portis in a sign-and-trade scenario, which is something Milwaukee wasn’t willing to do.”
This puts the Warriors back to square one in their pursuit to find a potential suitor for Kuminga. The relationship has deteriorated over the offseason. According to Seigel, Kuminga has made it known that he doesn’t want to return to the Warriors.
“Kuminga is not budging and continues to passively let it be known he does not wish to return to the Warriors,” Siegel wrote. “If he is to be back with Golden State, nobody expects it to be a long-term marriage, and Kuminga will make sure it’s on his terms.”
Jonathan Kuminga isn’t budging on his stance and has no interest in returning to Golden State, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“Kuminga is not budging and continues to passively let it be known he does not wish to return to the Warriors. If he is to be back with Golden State, nobody… pic.twitter.com/AylegKfsfP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 14, 2025
The Warriors have previously offered a contract extension of around two years, $45-50 million, but Kuminga wants no part of it because it comes with a second-year team option and without any “no-trade” clause. For someone in his early 20s and averaging around 15 ppg, that deal is far too short-sighted. However, the Warriors are in an advantageous position given the economics of the league.
No team may be able to give Kuminga a $30 million AAV long-term deal, which he desires, due to cap space. With the offers and potential suitors not lining up easily, the Warriors know Kuminga has no option but to see what Golden State wants to do with him.
