The NBA offseason continues even through the holidays.
Typically while people are celebrating the Fourth of July waiting for fireworks, NBA fans are gathered around waiting on fireworks around the league to unfold.
Through the first week of free agency, the Washington Wizards have been relatively quiet in terms of pursuing outside free agents.
However, that could soon change with recent reports that the Wizards have become a serious contender for Jonathan Kuminga, who’s testing restricted free agency.
The former No. 7 overall pick seemed poised to be a center piece of the Golden State Warriors future when they originally selected him after a standout season with the G-League Ignite. However, after falling out of the rotation with the Dubs this past season after contract talks collapsed last offseason, the writing on the wall seemed to point to Kuminga departing the team this offseason.
After Steve Kerr’s hand was forced to rely on Kuminga down the stretch of the postseason with injuries piling up, the forward took advantage of the opportunity and showed plenty of promise, averaging 20.8 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs.
As a result, Golden State seemed open to the idea of bringing Kuminga back, but at a number they were comfortable with.
Unfortunately, Kuminga’s camp seem focused on getting the forward a fresh start elsewhere, which led the Warriors front office to explore sign-and-trade opportunities to help him get where he wanted to go without losing him for nothing.
Through the first week of free agency, Kuminga’s market seemed to be slow and it looked as if a return to Golden State may be his best option.
But not so fast.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, interest in Kuminga has gained steam over the last 24 hours and one team that has become a serious contender to land the 22 year old is the Wizards.
SOURCES: The Washington Wizards entered the mix for Jonathan Kuminga in the last 24 hours, according to @anthonyVslater.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 4, 2025
The Heat, Bulls, Bucks and Nets have also registered varying levels of interest in the Warriors forward, league sources said. pic.twitter.com/sZEUXnvsOG
Washington has multiple veterans, draft assets and even young players that they can include in any potential deal for Kuminga.
Kuminga in Washington was a name that seemed to be a no-brainer for the Wizards following their NBA Draft Lottery botch in May missing out on Cooper Flagg.
Now, after missing out on Ace Bailey too, it seems like a perfect opportunity to land Kuminga to add to their rebuild.
The forward will get the chance to take on an increased role with a chance to showcase what he can offer in a larger role and if he can develop into the star the flashes have shown he can become, Washington’s rebuild could be majorly boosted moving forward.
As of now, nothing seems imminent, but if we know anything about the NBA, things can change fast.
That said, as of now, we’re on Kuminga watch as the Wizards look to land one of the top available players.