The Washington Wizards hoped to make a splash this offseason in the 2025 NBA Draft by landing high-upside prospect Ace Bailey. With Bailey drafted by the Utah Jazz, Washington is reportedly hoping it can make a similar swing for upside in free agency.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Wizards have entered the mix this week to land Golden State Warriors’ restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The field of suitors includes the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings.
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- Jonathan Kuminga stats: 15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 45.4% FG, 30.5% 3PT, 0.8 Win Shares per 48 Minutes in 47 games
Kuminga looked like a breakout player a year ago, coming off a season in which he averaged 16.1 points per game while shooting 52.9 percent from the field. However, he regressed this past season and fell out of the Warriors’ rotation at times.
Still only 22 years old, the 6-foot-8 forward did show some promise in his final games with Golden State. In Games 2–5 of the playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged 24.3 points per game, shooting 38.9 percent from the perimeter and 55.4 percent from the field.
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However, the issue for all the teams interested in Kuminga is the acquisition price. Slater reported that Golden State is seeking a young player along with a future first-round pick in any sign-and-trade for Kuminga. Thus far, no team has expressed any interest in coming near that price.
For the time being, Golden State seems adamant about its price being met; otherwise, it will match any offer Kuminga receives in NBA free agency. Nothing is imminent, but Washington has seemingly entered the mix with a slight hope it can buy low on Kuminga and bet on his enticing talent.
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