Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga
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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shakes hands with Jonathan Kuminga.
As the Golden State Warriors grapple with the fallout from Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear, one storyline has moved sharply back into focus: Jonathan Kuminga is ready — and willing — to return.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the former lottery pick has maintained a professional approach despite weeks of uncertainty and is prepared to re-enter the rotation if called upon, a notable development as Golden State reshapes its plans in Butler’s absence.
Anthony Slater: Kuminga ‘Ready if Called Upon’
Appearing on NBA Today, Slater reported that internal discussions are underway regarding Kuminga’s return, signaling a potential turning point in one of the Warriors’ most complicated sagas of the season.
“I’ve already been given indications that today they are exploring the idea of restarting the engines, entering Jonathan Kuminga potentially back into the rotation,” Slater said. “And from the Kuminga side, his feelings towards the organization and Steve Kerr have not changed. I’ve also been told that [Kuminga] will be ready if called upon, and I do think we’ll get another chapter of this.”
Slater’s reporting frames Kuminga as engaged rather than resistant — a key distinction after weeks of speculation surrounding his relationship with Kerr and his long absence from game action.
Steve Kerr Confirms Door Is Open
Kerr’s own comments aligned, at least publicly, with Slater’s report. When asked postgame whether Kuminga could return to the rotation following Butler’s injury, Kerr was direct.
“Sure. Absolutely,” Kerr said.
The answer marked Kerr’s clearest indication in weeks that Kuminga remains an option as Golden State searches for solutions without Butler’s two-way presence.
Slater’s Report Contrasts With Earlier ESPN Account
Slater’s account stands in contrast to reporting from ESPN colleague Shams Charania, who previously described the relationship between Kerr and Kuminga as damaged beyond repair.
“In some shape or form, the Warriors are back on the rollercoaster that is their saga with Jonathan Kuminga,” Charania said on SportsCenter. “My sources tell me the relationship between him and Steve Kerr is fractured beyond repair.”
Kerr has repeatedly pushed back on that narrative.
“Our relationship is fine,” Kerr told reporters, according to The Athletic. “It’s a difficult situation for everybody… part of the league, part of the job.”
Slater’s reporting suggests that, fractured or not, both sides are prepared to move forward if circumstances demand it.
Kuminga’s Absence a Flashpoint for Warriors
Kuminga has not played since Dec. 18, and tension escalated on Jan. 2 when he ruled himself out with back soreness roughly an hour before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder — a night when Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green were all resting.
Kerr had previously indicated Kuminga would feature prominently in that matchup. Instead, he did not play.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Marcus Thompson II, and Nick Friedell, multiple Warriors sources questioned the legitimacy of the injury.
“Kuminga’s absence certainly raised some eyebrows across the league, and frustration within the Warriors’ organization,” the reporters wrote. “Multiple team sources said they suspect Kuminga wasn’t actually hurt.”
One anonymous Warriors player was blunt: “I wouldn’t have played either. It’s clear the coach doesn’t believe in him.”
Butler Injury Creates New Opportunity
Now, the calculus has changed. Butler’s injury has created a clear need for athleticism, size, and scoring on the wing — areas where Kuminga can help immediately.
In Golden State’s most recent game without Butler, Kerr started Curry, Green, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Quinten Post. While functional, the lineup underscored the absence of a downhill scorer and versatile defender.
A Reset Moment for Kuminga and the Warriors
Slater’s reporting makes one thing clear: Kuminga is not disengaged. He is available, prepared, and waiting.
Whether the Warriors choose to re-engage him may determine not only how they survive Butler’s absence, but also how they resolve one of the most delicate internal situations of their season.