Report: Warriors’ Kuminga drawing Nets offseason interest originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Two prominent NBA franchises could potentially be a fit for Jonathan Kuminga.
The Brooklyn Nets could make an offer for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga this offseason after the Warriors forward failed to sign a contract extension before Monday’s deadline, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported Friday.
“The Nets will be a stalker horse for everyone,” Fischer said on Bleacher Report. “There are already rumors going around that Brooklyn may be willing to make Jonathan Kuminga a big offer.”
Kuminga still has one year left on his rookie deal, and given the 22-year-old’s youth and raw talent, he could be a tempting trade prospect for teams with draft picks and cap space.
One of those teams, as Fischer speculated, could be the Philadelphia 76ers.
“The Philadelphia 76ers have a KJ Martin deal for $7.9 million, Kuminga for $7.6 million in there,” Fischer said. “I’m not reporting that the 76ers are definitely trying to convert KJ Martin’s contract to Jonathan Kuminga, but if you’re looking for a potential suitor…
“The Sixers have made it clear around the league and behind the scenes that they are willing to pay to add another piece. They are willing to spend their draft capital.”
While Kuminga and the Warriors are keen to eventually reach a deal, the 2024-25 season could be a make-or-break campaign for the 22-year-old, who coach Steve Kerr hopes can develop into a reliable second option for a superstar. Steph Curry.
Despite a breakout season last year, time could be running out for the young forward to step into the role the organization envisioned for him when they selected him with the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Depending on how the first half of the season goes, Kuminga could be a trade asset for the Warriors before the February 6 trade deadline if a team like the 76ers comes along.
Or, if the Warriors keep him for the rest of the season, a team like the Nets might pursue him this offseason.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
