NBA Trade Rumors: Jimmy Butler Checks in With Warriors Amid Jonathan Kuminga Contract Stalemate
Veteran wing Jimmy Butler reportedly reached out to the Golden State Warriors’ front office for clarity on the ongoing contract stalemate with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area revealed on the Dubs Talk podcast that Butler wanted to understand the team’s plan: “Jimmy Butler has also reached out to the team and been like, ‘What’s going on here? I just wanted to know the plan.’”
This follows reports from ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania that both Butler and Draymond Green have been checking in on Kuminga to gauge his mindset.
Butler joined the Warriors via trade from the Miami Heat before last season’s deadline and immediately impacted the team, helping Golden State go 23-7 in the 30 regular-season games he played. He also led the team to the second round of the playoffs, where they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, a series affected by Stephen Curry’s injury.
Kuminga, the 2021 No. 7 overall pick, had a breakout 2023-24 season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 52.9% from the field. Last season, injuries limited him to 47 games, and his production dipped to 15.3 points per game on 45.4% shooting. However, he shined in the playoffs during Curry’s absence, averaging 24.3 points on 55.4% shooting over four games.
Despite this, Kuminga remains unsigned with the 2025-26 regular season just over a month away. Sign-and-trade talks with the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns reportedly included a four-year, nearly $90 million offer, but Golden State has held out for an unprotected first-round pick rather than conditional picks or rotation players.
NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that there has been “little substantive dialogue” recently, though movement on Kuminga’s situation could occur soon. With the core of Curry, Green, and Butler intact, the Warriors’ lack of offseason roster activity and unresolved Kuminga situation could hamper their championship aspirations.
Leave a Comment