As the Golden State Warriors look to bolster their roster this offseason in search of a run at one more championship within their current era, their decision to retain Jonathan Kuminga, and reject the final trade offer from the Sacramento Kings, could certainly backfire.
Especially given the fact that, as NBA Insider Jake Fischer reports, the Warriors were specifically seeking out "players that would either be in Steve Kerr's rotation and help Golden State compete for a championship... or some real enticing blue-chip type talent," in order to part from Kuminga, their decision to keep Kuminga rather than gain a piece that would perhaps fit better in their rotation becomes more infuriating.
Yet, as Golden State has decided to hold on to its most tradeable asset this offseason, they are now stuck searching through various veteran free agents in order to find the piece that can be a true difference-maker next season.
Golden State's decision-making doesn't align with its championship window
With the team's blockbuster acquisition and extension of star forward Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline last season, the Warriors set a very clear and defined two-year championship window for themselves.
At the end of the 2026-27 season, all three of Butler's, Stephen Curry's and Draymond Green's contracts will have expired, taking roughly $140 million off the team's books and likely signaling the end of, at least, Curry's career.
Therefore, the team has little room for error this offseason as they attempt to build around the momentum they gained following the Butler acquisition.
Presumably, the type of talent they were looking for in a potential Kuminga trade is also applicable to their strategy for this offseason. It is probable that the front office is seeking players who can easily plug into Kerr's rotation and play effectively off Curry's gravity, thus granting the Warriors their best shot at a championship next season.
Yet, by rejecting the Kings' offer of Malik Monk and a 2030 protected first-round pick for a Kuminga sign-and-trade, the team has actually harmed their chances considerably. Monk, 26, would have fit perfectly into the team's backcourt, and his scoring average from last season, at 17.2 points per game, would have been a huge boon to the roster.
Bringing back Kuminga, given the clear questions regarding his fit with both Butler and Green, seems, on the surface, like a long-term move. Yet it has also been reported that the Warriors are pushing for a short-term, tradeable deal with a team option after the first year.
These facts combined signal a confused approach that could ultimately harm the team given the urgency that needs to be displayed next season.
If Golden State is truly attempting to maximize their roster around their veteran trio this offseason, they must make moves immediately that align with that goal. Kuminga, insofar as he detracts from their game, is a lingering frustration for any fan who wants the team to go all-in.