Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Golden State Warriors hangs in the balance as trade rumors swirl ahead of the 2025 NBA offseason. The Warriors face a critical decision: retain the young forward on a cost-effective $8 million qualifying offer or trade him to a team that better suits his dynamic skill set. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Warriors are leaning toward the latter, potentially acquiring a former Los Angeles Lakers draft pick in a blockbuster deal.
Pincus suggests that keeping Kuminga on his qualifying offer would restrict Golden State’s ability to trade him, as any acquiring team would not retain his rights post-trade. Instead, a sign-and-trade deal could provide closure for both parties, ensuring Kuminga lands with a franchise willing to pay him the salary he believes he deserves. “Sign-and-trade gives closure and doesn’t put Kuminga in a position to play for a team that didn’t value him enough to reward him with the salary he believes he deserves,” Pincus wrote on Thursday.
In Pincus’ proposed three-team trade, the Warriors would send Kuminga, valued at just over $30 million in a sign-and-trade, to the Chicago Bulls. In return, Golden State would receive Lonzo Ball, Jalen Smith, Josh Okogie, and five future draft picks, while the Charlotte Hornets would acquire Moses Moody and Jevon Carter. Notably, this trade cannot occur until July 6, 2025.
Lonzo Ball, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has been labeled one of the Lakers’ biggest draft busts by ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett. Despite undeniable talent, Ball’s tenure with the Lakers was marred by injuries and inconsistent three-point shooting, where he failed to eclipse 35% from beyond the arc. This led to his inclusion in the 2019 blockbuster trade that sent him, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, and draft capital to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis.
Since leaving Los Angeles, Ball has shown improvement in his perimeter shooting, hitting at least 35% from three in three separate seasons. However, his health remains a significant concern, having played only 188 regular-season games between 2019 and 2025 due to recurring injuries. Despite these setbacks, Pincus highlights Ball’s defensive prowess and playmaking ability as an “incredible fit” alongside the Warriors’ stars, noting his ability to move the ball and catch-and-shoot effectively.
Kuminga, meanwhile, showcased his potential with a 20.8 points per game performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2024 playoffs. If this standout showing failed to convince the Warriors of his long-term value, Pincus’ trade proposal could become reality in the coming weeks. For Golden State, acquiring Ball, Smith, Okogie, and draft capital could bolster their roster depth and future flexibility, while Kuminga might find a better opportunity to shine with the Bulls.
As the offseason approaches, Warriors fans await clarity on whether the team will double down on their young star or pivot toward a new roster configuration featuring a former Lakers “discarded star.”