Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy said the Warriors would try to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga in restricted free agency.
The 22-year-old forward reached the end of his rookie contract after an uneven season that finished with four strong playoff performances.
Dunleavy wants to retain a rare attacking skill
Dunleavy highlighted Kuminga’s ability to reach the rim and draw fouls, a skill he did not believe the Warriors could easily replace in the draft.
He described negotiations as a two-way process and said it was too early to predict the length or value of a contract.
Golden State could match another team’s offer, arrange a sign-and-trade or allow Kuminga to accept a one-year qualifying offer.
Kuminga finishes strongly after losing his role
Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds during the regular season. An ankle injury kept him out for more than a month, and the arrival of Jimmy Butler reduced his minutes after the trade deadline.
Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury brought Kuminga back into the playoff rotation against Minnesota. He averaged 24.3 points over the final four games.
Steve Kerr praised Kuminga for staying ready, while acknowledging that his fit alongside Curry, Butler and Draymond Green still required work.
Golden State weighs continuity against cost
Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney also approached free agency. Dunleavy would not rule out paying additional luxury tax to improve the team.
The Warriors still viewed themselves as close to contention. Deciding how Kuminga fits the veteran core became the biggest choice of their offseason.
