Stephen Curry's injury has changed everything for the Golden State Warriors.
They aren't the same team without their franchise superstar.
In an attempt to get some rhythm or momentum with Curry sidelined, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has leaned on players like Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis to provide offense.
The two aforementioned players had a prominent role in the earlier stages of the 2024-25 NBA season, though that role fizzled as the campaign went on.
Kuminga, in particular, looked like a budding star who dealt with an untimely injury. When he returned, the Warriors had already acquired Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga's role then diminished after a strong start to the season, and anytime he was used on the hardwood, he wasn't all that impactful.
Many Golden State fans have grown tired of the situation -- dealing with inconsistency from both parties involved -- and know Kuminga is likely headed for an exit this offseason.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga
© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Kerr had initially benched Kuminga for a reason, and a recent report sheds light on why that might be.
Kerr's issue with Kuminga revealed
The Ringer's Logan Murdock reported that Kerr had grown weary with Kuminga after he had begun looking off Curry -- the team's franchise superstar -- in favor of his own looks.
“Despite his talent, Kuminga’s propensity to look for his shot at the expense of the flow of Golden State’s offense has irked the coaching staff," Murdock said. "During a late-season game against the Blazers, team sources say Kerr was incensed after several instances in which Kuminga looked off Curry to create his own offense.
"Kuminga subsequently received DNPs in the Warriors’ regular-season finale against the Clippers and then again in their play-in matchup against the Grizzlies.
"By the start of the playoffs, many within the organization wondered whether Kuminga, who is eligible for an extension, had played his last game as a Warrior.”
A departure is expected for the former lottery pick, especially as the Warriors aim to build a title-condeing squad around Curry and Butler next season, and that's been all but confirmed by this point.