The Jonathan Kuminga offseason saga doesn’t appear to be nearing a resolution. Instead, new revelations suggest further conflict, as a report indicated that the 22-year-old was open to the idea of returning; he also desired to be the focal point of the Golden State Warriors‘ offense.
“The Warriors are the organization that drafted him, so of course, he’d love to stay with one team his whole career. He wants to be a focal point of a team. He wants a bigger role. That’s not really a secret. Is he open to coming back? He’s digested it, and he’s open-minded to it.”
Given how sensitive the situation has been amid ongoing conversations, this update could create further issues. In light of this, former NBA player Rick Mahorn shared his thoughts on the matter while speaking on Sirius XM NBA Radio.
“You got Steph Curry, you got Draymond Green, you still got pieces from your championships, and you’re not the focal point. It’s about accepting your role,” Mahorn said, while acknowledging the team’s current structure. “I want players to get paid money… But if you’re not accepting your role, then you know, you’re looking to say, ‘I’m better than this role,’ this is how the NBA is.”
Considering the comments made by Steve Kerr earlier in the offseason regarding Kuminga’s place on the roster, it was questionable whether he would even receive playing time. In light of this, the opportunity for Kuminga to be the focal point of the offense is limited.
Mahorn’s statement is also meaningful simply because it acknowledges the Warriors’ current makeup and Kuminga’s current state of development.
At 22, Kuminga is an extremely gifted athlete with a lot of offensive upside and growth potential. These qualities would make him an ideal piece on a rebuilding team or a team on the rise.
Considering the Warriors’ core, it is evident that the team is neither. The Dubs are positioning themselves to make another title push, and when led by stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, pivoting to an unproven talent like Kuminga, especially given their aspirations, would only be counterintuitive.
The Warriors forward possesses the tools to be a star someday. But the opportunities to do so on the Warriors’ roster may be scant.
In this regard, his demand to join a team, such as the Sacramento Kings, where he could have a chance to establish himself, is valid. However, the organization is reportedly against such a move, primarily to prevent his potential growth on another team.
The Warriors seem keen to retain Kuminga, something that has been reinforced by the team’s core pushing for his return. Unfortunately, the front office’s current offer hasn’t been viewed favorably by the young star.
With only a few days before the deadline, Golden State will need to finalize a deal with the forward if they wish to retain him long-term. Otherwise, the potential of his signing the qualifying offer appears to be more likely.
