It is reported that Kumingga will return to the Warriors for a short time, or be traded before the new season trading deadline

According to US sports media F/W reporter Vishvisha Kumar. Kumingga is likely to return to the Warriors, but only for the time being. According to Brett Siegel, Kumingga is expected to re-sign with the Warriors in the coming days. However, the details of this reunion reveal a strategic consensus between the two parties: this is not a long-term partnership. Multiple league sources confirmed that the Warriors and Kumingga’s camps are shared with expectations to be traded by the 2026 NBA trade deadline in February.

On the surface, this seems to be a friendly solution for both sides to stagnate during the offseason. The Warriors did not receive the kind of offer they expected in the signing situation, nor did Kumingga find a suitable new home. Teams such as Kings, Heat, Nets, Jazz and Hornets are all considered potential destinations, but none of them are close to reaching a deal. In particular, there are rumors that the Kings are interested in this, but the complexity of the cap space and the congestion of the lineup actually prevent them from being seriously considered. Similarly, Miami continued to move forward after trading Powell and entering the No. 1 rich line.

The Warriors had hoped to use Kumingga as a high-value trading object to restructure their roster with younger geniuses or future draft capital. But the market never appeared. With only nine players signing contracts and more than $25 million left to the first tycoon line, the Warriors need to clarify Kumingga’s contract to advance other signings. That's why it makes sense to reunite for now: Kuminga returns, plays a big time and rebuilds his value across the league, while the Warriors use him as a flexible trading chip to reach a bigger deal as it approaches the deadline.

Kuminga showed real growth in the 2024-25 season, especially when Curry fell in the playoffs. His athleticism, defensive strengths and increasing offensive versatility make him a key part of the Warriors’ end-of-season competitiveness. The general manager publicly praised Kumingga's growth, and the boss reportedly supported his return. By now locking him in a new contract, the Warriors can trade his full salary in February—a key difference because if the deal happens before that window, signing and trading rules limit the departure salary to 50% of the value.

This means that Kumingga takes a full intermediate salary and becomes a very useful contract that can be included in a bulk deal for veterans or draft assets. It's all about leverage and timing. Until then, the Warriors will continue to spend a offseason cautiously. Free agent goals like Horford, Melton and Seth Curry are still within their focus. The team is actively weighing the minimum signing amount to strengthen the depth of Curry, Butler and Green without falling into the dangerous area of luxury taxes. Melton and Ben Simmons are among those who might be on sale to join the Golden State Warriors rotation, depending on how things go.

But none of these actions really started until the situation of Kumingga's contract was finalized. They will give Kuming a platform to increase his trading value while making him a restricted free agent. Kumingga, on the other hand, has secured funding, familiar systems, and the opportunity to prove he is ready to play a bigger role elsewhere.