Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors
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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a dunk on the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Golden State Warriors made a surprising move early Wednesday, assigning Jonathan Kuminga to their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, alongside offseason signee De’Anthony Melton and forward Gui Santos.
The announcement sent shockwaves through Warriors fans and across social media, given ongoing speculation surrounding Kuminga’s health, role, and relationship with head coach Steve Kerr. But according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the move is not disciplinary — and does not signal a demotion.
Slater clarified that the scrimmage session is strictly intended to ramp up conditioning, not change roles or rotation status.
“The Warriors assigned De’Anthony Melton, Jonathan Kuminga and Gui Santos to Santa Cruz so they could scrimmage with the G-League team today,” Slater reported. “Kuminga and Melton [are in the] late stages of injury return… They’ll be recalled after.”
Kuminga Nearing Return After Bilateral Patellar Tendinitis
Kuminga has missed six straight games due to bilateral patellar tendinitis, inflammation in the tendons below both kneecaps. The injury has sidelined him for nearly two weeks during a turbulent stretch for Golden State.
His absence coincided with speculation about playing time and frustration after Slater reported earlier this month that Kuminga “feels like the scapegoat again” due to a reduction in minutes amid rising turnovers.
Those tensions appeared to surface publicly when reporters approached Kuminga on Monday, asking for an update. His only comment, when asked when he might return:
“Soon.”
According to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, Kuminga refused follow-up questions, even after being told Kerr had suggested reporters ask him directly. Friedell wrote that the forward’s silence “will only feed into the speculation about his lingering status.”
Kerr Pushes Back on Speculation of Rift With Kuminga
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga chats with Steve Kerr.
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga chats with Steve Kerr.
Kerr’s frustration became evident Sunday, when he openly acknowledged uncertainty about Kuminga’s workload in practice:
“I don’t know where he’s at,” Kerr said. “He’s got to tell you where he is… We did scrimmages and live drill work, and he barely did any of that.”
However, after criticism ran wild online, Kerr sought to cool the narrative of renewed tension, insisting he and Kuminga are aligned.
“I’ve spoken with JK. We’re on the same page,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs show, adding that player frustration is “natural” when rotations change. He emphasized that any lineup decision “could change at any moment.”
Before his injury, Kuminga averaged 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 27.7 minutes while starting 12 of 13 games. His play, coupled with his recent contract structure, has also made him one of the league’s top trade chips heading into January — the day his trade restriction lifts.
Melton Close to Making Warriors Debut
Melton, who has not yet played this season following ACL surgery, was also sent to the G League for ramp-up conditioning. The veteran guard averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals last season and is expected to compete for a starting role alongside Stephen Curry once cleared.
At the same time, Santos — who has played 14 games this season — will join Santa Cruz strictly to improve conditioning. He is averaging 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game.