The Jonathan Kuminga trade saga has been the key point of concern for the Golden State Warriors this offseason. While the Chicago Bulls were viewed as a potential landing spot for the 22-year-old forward, NBA insider Zach Lowe dismissed any notion of this on a recent episode of “The Zach Lowe Show”. He said:
“I don’t think Vooch (Vucevic) to Golden State is a thing. I don’t think it’s a thing, I’m not sure it really ever was a thing, on this current contract anyway.”
A trade rumor had linked the Warriors with the Bulls, with the proposal sending Kuminga to Chicago in exchange for Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic. While this had gained a lot of traction on social media platforms and among the Warriors fanbase, no such trade materialized.
Instead, Golden State was left with negotiating Kuminga’s contract extension while also debating their intentions to part ways with him.
The 22-year-old has expressed his desire to leave the Bay Area in pursuit of his dream of becoming an All-Star. While he is an exceptional talent, it was quite clear that his fit with the Warriors was clunky. Lowe shed more light on why this created problems for both parties when he added:
“I think we’re all guilty of overcomplicating it a little bit… If he just defended better, I think he would’ve played more. I think the Warriors coaches would have let him grow…but the defense just hasn’t been there consistently enough.”
Lowe’s comments paint an interesting picture of the situation in Golden State. The Warriors’ style of basketball, their motion offense, has always been predicated on unselfishness and movement without the ball. Players such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who were effective without the ball in their hands, benefited the most from this.
While perimeter shooting ability is typically a prerequisite for Warriors players, the franchise has featured enough players who break the mold. From Shaun Livingston to Jimmy Butler, the Dubs have always featured a player with a contrasting style of play.
Lowe’s expectations of Kuminga present the forward as this type of player. Unfortunately, with Kerr placing more faith in Butler, primarily due to his experience, the 22-year-old is simply in the wrong environment to embrace that role, something Kerr has mentioned as well.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. Although his perimeter shooting leaves more to be desired, the young forward displayed an innate ability to create scoring opportunities through sheer athletic prowess.
There is certainly a scenario in which Kuminga could thrive within the Warriors’ framework, but it would require him to adhere to the role carved out for him. When considering his aspirations, this simply may not align.
As things stand, the Warriors haven’t shown any indication of trading him in the offseason. This hesitation has also held up other transactions. As the signing of Al Horford has been delayed further, potentially seeing the veteran shift interest to other teams, Golden State could consider reevaluating its approach to the situation.
