Warriors Rumor: Fan Favorite’s Return Has Clear Path Amid Jonathan Kuminga Stalemate

Fans are scrolling, front offices are strategizing, and the Golden State Warriors’ coffee budget is probably higher than normal at the moment. At 22, Jonathan Kuminga is juggling money and expectations, and every twist in his story is a headline waiting to happen. But beyond the regular conversations, there’s a bigger picture forming, and it’s not all about points per game.

Pat Spencer’s potential return has sparked chatter across X. Baseline Insiders posted a scoop suggesting Partizan is finalizing a new point guard, a move that could free a two-way spot with Jackson Rowe already on the roster and Alex Toohey expected to join. Dalton Johnson echoed the news, hinting that Spencer’s path back to Golden State may finally be clearing. It’s the kind of move that could shift rotation dynamics, especially in a season where flexibility and depth matter more than ever.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga’s situation looms like a thundercloud over the Golden State Warriors’ offseason. The 22-year-old forward has been nothing if not polarizing, talent streaking across the stat sheet, yet fitting in Steve Kerr’s system remains a work in progress. Over the last two seasons, he’s averaged 15.8 points on 49.9% shooting in 25.6 minutes per game. Start him, and those numbers climb to 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 51.4% shooting efficiency. Starter numbers that make the Warriors sweat every negotiation.

Offers have been laid on the table. A three-year, $75.2 million package with $48 million guaranteed sits in Kuminga’s camp. Yet the young star’s representatives have flirted with bridge deals, creating the possibility of unrestricted free agency sooner. Tim Kawakami noted the tension, saying, “Kuminga has $48M guaranteed on the table. Does he take it or does he not? Around the league, people are stunned it’s gone this far.”

That would open a two-way spot on the Warriors

Jackson Rowe already occupies one. Alex Toohey is expected to be on a two-way as well. The return of Pat Spencer? https://t.co/Ul8IrLGpPP

— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) September 27, 2025

With veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green anchoring Golden State, handing out the wrong extension could be disastrous. Yet letting a potential core piece walk for nothing is unthinkable. It’s a balancing act, with every front office across the NBA watching, pencils poised over spreadsheets. Lineup chemistry adds another layer of complexity.

Kuminga’s assist-to-turnover ratio sits at 1.3-to-1, and net ratings suggest a subtle imbalance. Lineups with Butler, Green, and Kuminga were outscored by 36 points in just 105 minutes last season. Remove Kuminga, and the same trio produced +180 over 940 minutes. High reward, but high risk, too. Enter Pat Spencer. The fan favorite’s rumored return could stabilize a two-way spot, potentially offering the Golden State Warriors a rotation hedge should Kuminga’s negotiations stretch or stall.

What this means for the Golden State

Golden State’s decision to move on from Pat Spencer marks the end of a chapter that, while not filled with eye-popping stats, was rich in heart and hustle. Spencer’s energy on the floor made him a fan favorite despite averaging just 2.3 points, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 rebounds over 45 games. That Game 5 showing against Houston, where he dropped 11 points in 13 minutes before an ejection, summed up his competitive fire and willingness to seize the moment, even if the spotlight was brief.

Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) drives to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

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