The tension between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors hasn’t exactly cooled off-it’s been simmering for a while now, and the heat just keeps rising. What started with questions about his role and future in Golden State has now evolved into something much more complicated, especially with recent revelations about the team’s draft-day preferences.
Let’s rewind for a second. Kuminga did sign a contract to stick with the Warriors, but that hasn’t translated into stability or clarity on the court.
Last season, his minutes were all over the place-fluctuating game to game-and that same pattern has continued into this year. For a young player trying to establish himself, the lack of consistency has become a major sticking point.
And it’s not just about playing time-it’s about trust, development, and vision. Right now, it’s hard to say all three are aligned between Kuminga and the Warriors.
Now, add this to the mix: According to team sources, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was among those in the organization who preferred Franz Wagner over Kuminga in the 2021 NBA Draft. Wagner ultimately went eighth to the Orlando Magic, leaving Golden State to select Kuminga as part of what was supposed to be the next generation of Warriors basketball-alongside James Wiseman-as the franchise began preparing for life after Stephen Curry.
That revelation is significant. Whether or not it directly impacts Kuminga’s current standing, it certainly doesn't help the optics. When a coach is reportedly on record favoring another player, it can cast a long shadow over the relationship with the one who ended up on the roster.
And the league is noticing. With Kuminga recently becoming trade-eligible, the chatter around him has picked up steam. Analysts and insiders are buzzing about possible trade destinations, and the general consensus is that there are teams out there who would love to unlock the potential that’s been bottled up in Golden State.
Austin Rivers didn’t hold back when weighing in on the situation. Speaking candidly, Rivers called Kuminga’s situation “bullsh*t” and personal, questioning how a player with Kuminga’s upside isn’t getting real minutes on a Warriors team that, in his words, is underperforming.
“This is a 20-point-per-game caliber player,” Rivers said. “He is a freak talent and athlete.
How the hell can this guy not get a minute on a sorry a** Warriors team?”
That’s strong language, but it reflects a broader frustration that many around the league seem to share. Kuminga has flashed big-time potential-athleticism, scoring ability, defensive upside-but he’s been stuck in a limited role on a team that’s still trying to figure out its identity post-dynasty.
As it stands, the Warriors are clinging to the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 23-19 record. They’ve shown flashes, but consistency has been elusive. Their next matchup is at home against the Charlotte Hornets, and while that might seem like a chance to reset, the bigger question lingers: What’s next for Jonathan Kuminga?
If the Warriors are serious about competing now while also developing their future, they’ll need to figure out where Kuminga fits into that equation-or if he fits at all. Because right now, the disconnect is as glaring as it is unresolved.