Insiders revealed that due to limited interest in free agent market, Kuminga may stay with the Warriors

Warriors Rumor: Jonathan Cumingga encounters severe reality in the free agent market

NBA insiders revealed that due to limited interest in the free agent market, Jonathan Cumingga may stay with the Golden State Warriors.

As the free agent market approaches, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Cumingga may usher in a worrying offseason. Although Kumingga has performed well in the playoffs and regular season, his market performance has not improved significantly, according to NBA insider Jack Fischer.

In the latest episode of NBA Rumors | NBA Insider Notes, hosted by Jack Fischer, Fischer said that interest in the 22-year-old has been surprisingly sluggish so far.

"I haven't seen it at the moment, nor have I heard that Jonathan Cumingga's market is booming, thriving, and competitive," Fischer said. "As we said throughout the show, it's too early to draw conclusions, but the most likely situation at the moment is that I think Jonathan Cumingga and the Golden State Warriors need each other. I think that's the most reasonable plan. A short-term contract that can both get him a salary and retain the Golden State Warriors' choice." The Warriors were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, and this loss sparked discussions within the team about lineup building and future direction. Kumingga's role has been one of the central issues in these negotiations, especially after the introduction of Jimmy Butler III in the middle of the season. Limited market and financial factors may lead to Jonathan Kumingga's return to the Warriors in the short term, despite previous rumors that Kumingga might sign and switch, recent situations suggest that financial reality and limited external interests may keep the striker at the Golden State Warriors — at least in the short term. Fischer's comments suggest that signing a short-term agreement with Kumingga may be beneficial to both parties when both parties evaluate long-term options.

Kumingga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 regular season games in the 2024-25 season, with a shooting percentage of 45.4%. His performance in the playoffs, especially in the second round of the Timberwolves series, earned acclaim, averaging 20.8 points per game, shooting 54.3% from the field and 42.1% from three-pointers. However, his stability, fit with the existing roster and the long-term upside potential relative to the team’s schedule remain questionable.

Fisher also mentioned a hypothesis related to the Brooklyn Nets, where Coominga might be positioned as a bargaining chip rather than a long-term cornerstone player.

"It makes sense for the Nets to try to find a plan that will both give Jonathan Cumingga the salary he wants without being considered overpaid. This way, Cumingga can restore his trade value and potentially become the chip the Brooklyn Nets throws in the next superstar deal," Fischer explained. "Like Kevin Durant was traded out."

While this situation is still speculative, it emphasizes how the teams in the league view Kumingga - a talented player who is still looking for his cap, not an untouchable cornerstone.