Golden State Warriors Intensify Pressure on Jonathan Kuminga to Return via Halting Trade Talks

As the 2025 NBA free agency period continues to heat up, the Golden State Warriors have taken a bold step in their negotiations with the Phoenix Suns, signaling a clear message to Jonathan Kuminga: return to the team or face the consequences.

According to NBA reporter Brett Siegel, the Warriors have effectively stalled their trade discussions with the Suns, despite the Suns' repeated proposals involving players such as Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Moses Brown. The Warriors, however, have shown no interest in these packages and have remained firm in their stance.

One of the key factors in this stalemate is the Warriors' refusal to include young players like Deandre Ayton or other high-value assets in any trade involving Kuminga. The Suns, on the other hand, have been unwilling to include their own young talent, such as Cameron Johnson, in any deal, further complicating the situation.

According to sources, the Warriors have not changed their position on a potential trade with the Sacramento Kings, and they have taken a calculated move by halting the sign-and-trade talks. This move is believed to be a direct effort to pressure Kuminga into signing a short-term contract with the Warriors, as the team believes that the trade value for Kuminga is not high enough to justify moving him.

While the Warriors have not ruled out a long-term contract for Kuminga, the current approach suggests that they are more inclined to keep him on a short-term deal, which would allow them to maintain flexibility in the future while also ensuring that Kuminga remains with the team.

For Kuminga, this situation presents a complex dilemma. On one hand, returning to the Warriors could mean a chance to rebuild his career with the team that drafted him. On the other hand, the Warriors’ insistence on a short-term deal may not be ideal for a player looking to secure long-term stability.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Warriors’ strategy of leveraging stalled negotiations is expected to continue. Whether this will ultimately lead to Kuminga’s return or a potential trade to another team remains to be seen.