Report: Warriors' Kuminga draws 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 next 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 chaser for everyone,” Fischer said in Bleacher Report. “There have already been rumors that Brooklyn might be willing to make a big offer to Jonathan Kuminga.”

Kuminga has one year left on his rookie contract, and given the 22-year-old's youth and talent, he could be a tempting trade for teams with enough draft picks and cap space.

One of those teams, as Fischer speculated, could be the Philadelphia 76ers.

“The Philadelphia 76ers have that KJ Martin deal for $7.9 million, Kuminga right there at $7.6 million,” Fischer said. “I'm not reporting that the 76ers are definitely looking to trade KJ Martin's contract to Jonathan Kuminga, but if you're looking for a potential suitor…

“The Sixers have definitely signaled around the league and behind the scenes that they are willing to pay for additional contributions. They’re willing to spend their draft capital.”

While Kuminga and the Warriors would like to negotiate a deal at some point, the 2024-25 season could be crucial for the 22-year-old, who coach Steve Kerr hopes can develop into a reliable second option to superstar Steph Curry.

But despite a breakout season last year, time may be running out for the young forward to assume the role the organization envisioned for him when it selected him with the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Depending on how the first half of his season goes, Kuminga could be a trade asset for the Warriors before the Feb. 6 trade deadline if a team like the 76ers comes calling.

Or if the Warriors hang on to him for the rest of the season, perhaps a team like the Nets could pursue him in the offseason.

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