It’s never too early to look ahead.
Whether that’s the 2025 NBA Draft, future free agents, or predicting how the next season will shake out, staying on top of those projections helps teams, players, analysts, and fans prepare themselves. With that being said, the 2025 NBA offseason could see the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks among the teams handing out max contract extensions to young stars.
Warriors, Hawks Breakout Stars Looking For Max Extension
Jonathan Kuminga “is entering the final year of his rookie deal where, the word around the league… is that Kuminga and his representatives are looking for a full max extension,” Yahoo Sports insider Jake Fischer reports on the Ball Don’t Lie podcast.
Last season, Kuminga averaged career-highs of 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game. He also shot a career-high 52.9 percent from the field, which is particularly impressive given his rise in production.
Notably, Kuminga’s breakthrough performance was largely a byproduct of increased playing time. When Kuminga played at least 30 minutes per game in 2023-24, he averaged 21.1 points per game.
Capable of scoring inside and out, his energetic play style emphasized his athleticism. The Warriors going 27-19 with him as a starter versus 13-15 when he was a reserve highlighted his importance. In an age of change, Golden State found itself faced with the prospect of transformation. Eventually, they bought into the metamorphosis, starting Kuminga over Klay Thompson.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Homework
There are glaring holes in Kuminga’s game. Offensively, he’s a streaky jump shooter and limited playmaker. Defensively, he’s physical gifts pop off the screen but he can get caught out of position.
Taking a holistic view of their rotation brings his fit into question. A frontcourt with him, Draymond Green, and whomever they start at center will lack spacing. Perhaps the Warriors could’ve rectified that by acquiring a stretch-five. For all of their focus on reeling in a big fish, a player like Wendell Carter Jr. would’ve been practical.
Now, they’ll enter 2024-25 with major questions about their first unit. Green and Stephen Curry are locks to start. Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Andrew Wiggins will be battling for two perimeter spots, the swing skill for their positional battle their 3-point shooting.
If Kuminga’s jumper and off-ball defense significantly improve, he may start and get the max contract extension he desires.
Jalen Johnson
The maximum salary is what Hawks forward Jalen Johnson “is hoping for… in his extension” as well.
Like Kuminga, Johnson was a breakout player in 2023-24. Averaging career-highs of 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, he made arguably the most dynamic impact in Atlanta.
Like Kuminga, Johnson also has readily identifiable weaknesses. However, as a two-way playmaker, these are largely on offense. Though he primarily scores when attacking the rim with a head of steam, Johnson needs to sharpen his perimeter skills. As the 22-year-old looks to take the next step in his career, his ball-handling and jump shooting will be focuses.
Regardless, Johnson has a higher chance of getting a max contract extension than Kuminga.
For starters, he’s the only player that the Hawks have made off-limits in trade discussions. Furthermore, his versatility and upside are higher than Western Conference rising star. Lastly, with Atlanta trading Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, he’s now set to be the Hawks’ second option.
