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NBA: Jonathan Kuminga’s time at Golden State may be nearing an end. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors fueling speculation around his future with the Warriors.
NBA: Jonathan Kuminga entered the league as one of Golden State’s most promising young talents, a big forward with elite athleticism and defensive potential. But four years into his NBA journey, signs are beginning to show that Kuminga's future may lie away from San Francisco. From rotation instability to trade rumors, here are the key reasons why Kuminga's time with the Warriors could be up.
1. Inconsistent Role in Steve Kerr’s System
Despite flashes of brilliance, Kuminga has never had a defined role in the Warriors' rotation. Kerr has preferred veterans in big-game situations, often pulling Kuminga out late in games. Even during the 2024–25 regular season, his minutes fluctuated based on matchups, hurting his rhythm and development.
2. Trade Value at Its Peak
Kuminga posted career highs in points (16.2 PPG) and field goal percentage this season, which makes him a valuable asset on the trade market. With the Warriors eyeing one last championship run in the Curry era, packaging Kuminga for a win-now piece is a real possibility.
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3. Poor Fit Next to Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green
With Jimmy Butler now part of the Warriors’ core, Kuminga’s slashing style overlaps with Butler’s offensive lane usage. Defensively, Draymond still commands the top forward minutes, making it hard to integrate Kuminga in crunch time.
4. Lack of Playoff Trust
In Game 1 against the Houston Rockets, Kuminga didn't even feature which is a clear indication that Kerr doesn’t trust him in playoff situations. This has been a recurring pattern over the past two postseasons, despite Kuminga’s regular-season growth.
5. Contract Pressure Looms
Kuminga is eligible for an extension soon. With the Warriors deep into the luxury tax, the front office must make tough financial decisions. Committing long-term money to Kuminga, especially if his role remains uncertain, may not be ideal.
