The Golden State Warriors’ season came to an end in the Western Conference Semifinals with a 4-1 series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The series was marred by Stephen Curry’s injury, which limited him to just a few minutes in Game 1. As the Warriors look ahead to next NBA season, potential roster changes loom, and one player who could be on the move is forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga found himself sidelined by head coach Steve Kerr during the playoffs, seeing limited action in the first-round series against the Rockets. However, following Curry’s injury against the Timberwolves, the 22-year-old forward regained prominence and emerged as a key player in the series against Minnesota, showcasing his potential contributions on the court.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the young forward is seeking a departure from the Warriors to prove his value as a star elsewhere. “Kuminga, league sources said, still has visions of becoming an All-Star, not fitting into an ever-moving mid-tier rotation role,” Slater wrote.
“He wants to be a featured player in an NBA offense and chase the 20-point-and-beyond dreams he’s spent his life chasing, and the last week of his fourth season tasting,” Slater continued. “There isn’t an irreconcilable player-and-coach or player-and-organization personality clash, league sources said. This is all about finding the contract and opportunity Kuminga craves“.
Kuminga could potentially remain with the Warriors
Despite Kuminga’s aspirations and the Warriors’ considerations about his future, there’s a significant likelihood that the forward will remain in the Bay Area due to market and financial constraints.
“The Warriors’ front office, Kuminga’s representatives, and the league are expected to explore all options into July,” Slater explained. “But team sources have been hinting that, because of these market and financial restrictions, there’s a likely world where the most obvious and prudent path is for them to bring Kuminga back and figure the rest out later”.
Kerr explains the reason behind Kuminga’s bench role
Following the Warriors’ playoff elimination, Kerr clarified his decision to bench Kuminga during the postseason. “I’ve been asked to win,” Kerr said in an interview with Tim Kawakami on The TK Show. “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”.
“It doesn’t mean he’s not a really good player or not talented,” Kerr continued. “It just means the fit—with the roster that we have—is tricky. The game is about the puzzle fitting and five guys complementing one another on both ends of the floor”.
The reality is that Kuminga’s future remains uncertain for both the Warriors and himself. As a restricted free agent, he could either re-sign with Golden State or accept an offer from a team with cap space.