Steve Kerr, Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr, Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
There’s no love lost between Jonathan Kuminga and Steve Kerr. The Golden State Warriors head coach had previously benched Kuminga for a 15-game stretch. The former lottery pick only returned to Kerr’s rotation following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury.
During a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick detailed the relationship between Kerr and Kuminga.
“I’ve talked to Jonathan about Steve,” Amick said. “I’ve talked to Steve about Jonathan. Do I think they hate each other? really strong word—no, but they don’t like each other’s styles. I think that one guy’s getting paid $22.5million to do a job. I forgot Steve’s number, but I believe he’s the highest-paid coach in the NBA. And, I think they just have to lock in and do the work because it’s mutually beneficial…He’s (Kuminga0) too young. He’s been on the shelf for too long.”
Kuminga spent this past summer locked in contract negotiations with the Warriors. He ultimately signed a new contract at the start of training camp. However, he demanded a trade on Jan. 15. Whether the Warriors honor that demand following Butler’s injury is an entirely different question.
Kuminga Doesn’t Want To Stay With The Warriors
According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Butler’s injury doesn’t change much for Kuminga. Haynes noted that the explosive forward still wishes to be traded, either ahead of, or at the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
“Sources have told me that Kuminga has no desire to remain with the Golden State Warriors,” Haynes reported on Thursday’s edition of NBA on Prime. “He is very much hoping that he will be dealt by the deadline.”
Kuminga has been with the Warriors since 2021. Throughout his entire tenure with the franchise, he’s struggled to maintain a consistent role, with the exception of the 2023-24 season. Perhaps a move to a new team would help unlock his full potential, assuming he’s provided with a consistent role within a starting lineup.
According to Marc Stein, via a Jan. 23 edition of his “The Stein Line” newsletter, Golden State could look to flip Kuminga as part of a deal that brings Andrew Wiggins back to the Bay Area.
“League sources tell The Stein Line that one avenue which will certainly be explored is the prospect of a Kuminga-for-Andrew Wiggins swap with Miami that potentially brings Wiggins back to the Bay Area after he was shipped to South Beach last February for Butler,” Stein reported.
Wiggins was instrumental in Golden State’s run to the 2022 NBA title. He understands Kerr’s system and is an elite two-way talent when healthy. Wiggins has played in 41 games for the Miami Heat this season. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per night.
Miami could jump at the chance to add Kuminga to its rotation. The Heat are short on young talent, and could see the forward as an ideal addition, both for now and the future.
Still, Kuminga is expected to draw interest from multiple teams. Therefore, Golden State will have the opportunity to accept the best deal for the franchise, whatever that might be.