Jonathan Kuminga says his focus is simple this season: winning. Speaking with reporters, the Warriors forward made it clear he’s happy to be back, grateful for his teammates, and motivated to push for a championship while keeping an eye on a long-term future in Golden State.
“That’s everybody’s goal, to be somewhere for longer. You never know your future but so far, I think that’s my goal. What I want to accomplish is being in it for a little bit,” said Kuminga. “Let’s see where this takes us. My focus this year is on pushing and helping us win. You never know what’s gonna happen, but I’m happy to be back and my teammates were happy to see me back.”
Reports indicated that Kuminga wanted a clean break from the Warriors, but he was essentially forced to return on a two-year, $48.5 million deal with a team option for the 2026-27 season. Despite not getting the deal he wanted, JK says he’ll embrace whatever role the team has carved out for him.
“Helping us find a way to win,” Kuminga added. “Find a way to help us win, both hands on defense and offense. Just finding ways to be at peace that will help us win games and hopefully a championship.”
Kuminga is trying his best to play it cool, but there’s a lingering sense of resentment now that the holdout is over. This summer, he was reportedly seeking a longer-term deal worth at least $30 million per year. More importantly, he wanted a player option to give him more direct control of his basketball future.
Those demands came after a chaotic season for the Warriors, where Kuminga’s role fluctuated from start to finish. He was punished for every mistake only to then be overshadowed when Jimmy Butler arrived. In Kuminga’s mind, the Warriors have been holding him back and he was itching to try his luck with a different team.
At one point, a potential trade with the Kings was on the table, but the Warriors didn’t get a package they liked and denied Kuminga the chance for a fresh start. While the young swingman is back now, most experts predict that Kuminga will be traded by February’s deadline.
So, unless Kuminga has a breakout season, the Warriors will likely look to unload his contract in exchange for increased depth and versatility around Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green. Still, Kuminga’s performance over the next few months will determine the future for both himself and the Warriors.
Until then, the Warriors star is determined to try and play his best game. With averages of 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season, he’s proven he can deliver at a star level on solid numbers but can he take his game to another level? More importantly, can it translate to wins?
In many ways, this season is make-or-break for Kuminga. He can say all the right things about winning and fitting in, but the truth is Golden State’s patience won’t last forever. If he comes out aggressive, defends hard, and proves he can be consistent, the Warriors might finally buy into him as part of their long-term picture. But if it’s more of the same, his time in San Francisco could run out quickly. One way or another, Kuminga’s play will decide whether he’s really part of the Warriors’ future or just another trade chip.
