While Kuminga has taken everybody by surprise — even himself — the latest development around him is nothing short of a nightmare for Warriors fans.
Since arriving from the Golden State Warriors in that shocking trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis the other way, the 23-year-old forward has slotted seamlessly into Atlanta’s system and immediately become a problem for the rest of the league. What was supposed to be a simple roster tweak for Golden State has turned into a full-blown disaster in the Bay.
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Now that short-term impact is evolving into something far more permanent — and potentially catastrophic for the Warriors’ future.
According to reports from NBA insider Jake Fischer, there is “mutual interest” between Kuminga and the Hawks in declining his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season in favor of negotiating a long-term deal.
Atlanta Hawks Contract Setup For Jonathan Kuminga
The Atlanta Hawks are not waiting for the offseason to make decisions about their future. They are already laying the groundwork to lock Jonathan Kuminga in Atlanta for years to come.
Kuminga did not enter the league with a guaranteed starting role, which once kept his market value in check. But after this midseason move, everything has flipped. The versatile wing is now averaging 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in limited minutes while shooting efficiently across the board — numbers that make Golden State’s decision to trade him look like one of the worst blunders in recent NBA history.
Atlanta has already invested heavily in its core, most notably with Jalen Johnson’s five-year, $150 million extension. That deal has set an internal benchmark, and while Kuminga may not command identical money right away, the mere fact that the Hawks are pushing for a long-term contract signals they view him as a foundational piece.
Declining the team option would be more than a financial decision. It would be a loud declaration that Atlanta sees Kuminga as a future star worth investing in now — before his value skyrockets even higher. For the Warriors, it means watching a young talent they once developed turn into a cornerstone for a rival, forever changing the Eastern Conference power balance and leaving the Bay Area in ruins.
This move isn’t just about one player staying in Atlanta. It’s about everything the Golden State Warriors gave up — and everything they might never get back. The disaster in the Bay just got a whole lot worse.