Jonathan Kuminga’s Future in Golden State Feels Murkier Than Ever-And the Clock Is Ticking
Two years ago, Jonathan Kuminga looked like the future of the Golden State Warriors. A high-upside athlete with flashes of two-way brilliance, he was billed as the bridge between the dynasty’s past and whatever comes next. And for a stretch last season, it looked like that vision was finally coming to life.
Kuminga averaged 16.1 points on an efficient 52.9% shooting during the 2023-24 campaign, showing off the kind of shot creation, slashing, and defensive versatility that had the Warriors front office buzzing when they drafted him. But fast-forward to now, and it’s clear that something’s changed.
His role has shrunk. His minutes have become unpredictable.
And his future with Golden State is suddenly very much in question.
The Jimmy Butler Effect-and Kuminga’s Role Reduction
Kuminga’s slide down the rotation didn’t happen in a vacuum. The arrival of Jimmy Butler added a veteran presence to the wing-someone who demands minutes, touches, and defensive assignments. That acquisition alone shifted the team’s pecking order, and Kuminga, still just 23, found himself on the outside looking in.
Even after signing a short-term extension in October to stay with the Warriors for at least one more year, Kuminga’s role has remained inconsistent. Since returning from injury this season, he’s been in and out of the rotation, his minutes fluctuating with little rhyme or reason. It’s a situation that’s becoming all too familiar for the young forward, who dealt with similar uncertainty last season.
Steph Curry Weighs In: “Not Losing Your Spirit”
When a player’s role starts to waver, especially on a team with championship aspirations, it’s easy for confidence to take a hit. And that’s something Steph Curry, the heartbeat of this Warriors era, understands well. Speaking to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, Curry offered some insight into what Kuminga is going through.
“Really, the hardest part is, whether it’s going well or whether it’s not, not losing your spirit,” Curry said. “That’s been JK’s challenge as a young player. Things change so quickly, and there’s all these declarations about who he is as a player, and does he fit, and all that type of stuff.”
It’s a telling quote. Curry isn’t just talking about on-court performance-he’s talking about the mental grind of trying to carve out a place on a team that’s constantly toggling between win-now urgency and long-term development. Kuminga, once viewed as a cornerstone for the post-Curry era, now finds himself fighting for consistent minutes on a team still clinging to its veteran core.
The Pressure of Being The Guy-And What Comes Next
When the Warriors traded away Jordan Poole, it wasn’t just a roster move-it was a signal. Kuminga was now the most prominent young piece left to carry the torch.
That kind of pressure is no small thing, especially on a team with championship DNA and a fanbase that’s used to winning. But pressure cuts both ways, and Kuminga hasn’t been given the same leash or opportunity since returning from injury.
The reality is, this might be heading toward a breakup.
Kuminga is eligible to be traded on January 15, once the restriction from his offseason extension lifts. Golden State can field calls before then, but they’ll have a tight window to make a move-just under three weeks before the February 5 trade deadline.
Who’s Watching-and Who Might Call?
There are a few teams worth keeping an eye on. The Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings were all linked to Kuminga during the offseason, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them re-enter the conversation. All three could use a young, athletic forward with upside, and Kuminga still fits that mold.
On the flip side, Golden State has its own targets. One name that continues to surface is New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy. If the Warriors decide to go all-in on acquiring Murphy, it would likely require them to part with both Kuminga and draft capital-a move that would signal a definitive shift in their roster-building strategy.
A Fork in the Road
There’s still a world where Kuminga finds his footing in Golden State. But based on how this season has played out, that path is narrowing. The Warriors are still trying to squeeze another title run out of their veteran core, and Kuminga’s development timeline doesn’t seem to align with that mission right now.
Whether he’s moved in January or not, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Kuminga’s long-term future probably isn’t in the Bay. And that’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that once saw him as a foundational piece of what comes after Curry, Klay, and Draymond.
The talent is there. The flashes are real. But in Golden State, fit and timing are everything-and right now, both seem to be working against Kuminga.