The Brooklyn Nets’ off-season plans are looking promising as they aim to clear salary cap space while retaining draft picks. As the team rebuilds, the Nets should pursue Jonathan Kuminga, who could be a valuable addition to the team. A forward with the Golden State Warriors, Kuminga is in the final year of his contract.
Why The Nets Should Sign Jonathan Kuminga
After weeks of rumors, the Nets recently traded Dennis Schröder to the Warriors and Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nets’ strategy right now seems for them to get more value from higher market teams in the NBA. So far, the trades have come from the two most valued teams in the league today.
Kuminga, who had two impressive games on Friday and Saturday, has not been enjoying his role on the Warriors. Heading into the 2024-2025 season, he and the Warriors did not reach a contract extension. He will become a restricted free agent this upcoming off-season.
This season, he has not had a defined role. Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN reported Kuminga’s thoughts on his role constantly changing.
“Sometimes I start, sometimes I don’t start,” Kuminga said. “Don’t really affect me. [At] this point in my career, I can’t put my head down and not go out there and play hard or try to be effective. I just go out there and do my job because I can’t even worry about things like that. The more you worry about things like that, the more you fail.”
“I’m used to it,” Kuminga added of starting and not starting. “From where I come from, you always got to be mentally tough. A lot of people that are playing … if they were in my shoes, they’ll quit basketball. They’ll need a therapist. They’ll go through a lot of mental situations. But that thing don’t affect me. As long as I go out here every day and just play, be with my teammates, [they] keep encouraging me to be who I am every day.”
The Nets Should Pursue Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga is averaging 16.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds this season. He is an NBA champion with playoff experience and could bring valuable contributions to the Nets. He has played alongside NBA greats such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Being mentored by these legends could significantly impact the role Kuminga would play on a hungry Nets team. Known for his defense and ball-handling skills, Kuminga might be who the Nets need.
The Nets are expected to have substantial cap space next summer. Using that cap on Kuminga and teaming him up with Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton would be smart move, assuming they remain with the team after the February trade deadline. The Nets are clearly aiming to build a younger team given their recent trades.
Earning Potential
Back in November, the Nets were rumored to have interest in Kuminga. In the summer of 2025, he is expected to seek a contract in the $100-$200 million range. With the potential retirements of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in the next few seasons, it would be surprising if the Warriors do not try to reach an agreement with Kuminga.
If Kuminga joins the Nets, he could provide similar value and significantly improve the team’s future prospects. Given his potential for the team, it might be a wise move for the Nets to pursue him. Hopefully, the Nets go into the New Year with a good plan.
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