Jonathan Kuminga‘s future with the Golden State Warriors has been one of the most intriguing conversations heading into the offseason. While there has been much speculation about what lies ahead for the 22-year-old, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr vaguely addressed the matter while speaking with Tim Kawakami on “The TK Show“. He said:
“I’ve been asked to win. And right now, he’s not a guy who I can say, I’m going to play 38 minutes with the roster we have, Steph, Jimmy, and Draymond, and put the puzzle together that way and expect to win.”
“Doesn’t mean he’s not a really good player, doesn’t mean he’s not talented. It just means the fit, and with the roster that we have, it’s just tricky… The game is about the puzzle fitting and five guys complementing one another on both ends of the floor.”
Kerr addressed that his main purpose is to win. But he also acknowledges that his methods may not be well-received by fans or players at some points. While the Warriors’ coach’s statement wasn’t an outright dismissal, it echoed the growing tension between him and Kuminga since early in the season.
The 22-year-old forward has seemed frustrated over inconsistent minutes. Meanwhile, Kerr has had reason to be bothered with the forward due to his questionable decision-making and effort on the defensive end. It is thus safe to say that the disconnect between the two only widened as the year progressed.
When Stephen Curry went down in the postseason, Kuminga was thrust into a larger role against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. While the forward had solid showings, the overall results were underwhelming as the Warriors walked away after a 4-1 loss in the series.
He averaged 15.3 points and 2.5 rebounds for the playoffs on shooting splits of 48.4% from the field, showing flashes of offensive versatility. But his defensive lapses, low rebounding output, and questionable shot selection proved costly.
Golden State surprisingly also logged a 0-7 record in the postseason when Kuminga played more than 20 minutes a game. This stat likely weighs heavily in Kerr’s mind.
Kuminga is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, and while the Warriors can match any offer, a mutual parting of ways feels imminent. Given the team’s cap situation and aging core, any move involving Kuminga would most likely come via sign-and-trade.
Multiple teams have emerged as potential landing spots for the Warriors forward. With his versatile offensive skillset, unique shot creation ability, and explosive athleticism, Kuminga has showcased enough to have the makings of becoming a star.
While the environment in Golden State may not be the right fit, the 22-year-old would benefit from being on a team that could help him cultivate and nurture his talent.
A move away from Kuminga will also help the Warriors structure the core in the immediate future. As the team has committed to building around Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, it is evident that they are in a position to win now. Being able to trade the young forward’s contract allows them to potentially bring in the right pieces to help them compete.
