The dust is still settling from the Golden State Warriors' NBA playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but star point guard Stephen Curry is already tackling some of the team's biggest offseason questions.
Curry was sidelined from Game 2 through Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals because of a Grade 1 hamstring injury suffered in the first game of the series. Without the historic three-point shooter, Golden State lost four straight games and dropped the series 4-1 to Minnesota.
In his absence, forward Jonathan Kuminga was one of the few players who stepped up. He averaged 26.3 points per game while playing an average of 32.7 minutes in the final three games of the series.
Before that, his future was in doubt based on four DNP's in the previous round against the Houston Rockets. During the regular season, Kuminga only made 10 starts, putting up 15.3 points in 24.3 minutes per contest.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) and forward Jonathan Kuminga (right).
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) and forward Jonathan Kuminga (right).
Jesse Johnson, Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga's rookie contract expires this summer, making him a restricted free agent. The Warriors are expected to extend his $7.9 million qualifying offer and then explore options for a sign and trade, per The Athletic.
His return is still possible, but it will be a challenge if a decent offer comes in because Golden State already has at least 85 percent of its salary cap tied up in Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green over the next two seasons.
Curry's words on his young teammate did not give fans much hope that the Warriors will keep Kuminga this summer.
"He's grown a lot," Curry said. "He's been dealt a very tough hand, to be honest."
"Proud of the way he’s handled it," Curry added. "Hope the future is bright for him, whether it’s here or whether it’s wherever.”
"Never seen someone more gone," one X user replied. "Go get your bag."
"Wow he’s gone," said the top response, with more than 100 likes.
"Oh he’s Gone," echoed another popular reply.
"He's definitely gone," a fan agreed.
There are few young talents in the NBA more polarizing than Kuminga. While opinions on his fit with the team range wildly both inside and outside the organization, fans seem convinced that the most important person in the franchise, Curry, has already banged his gavel.