Jonathan Kuminga Returns with a Statement Performance - Now Comes the Hard Part
SAN FRANCISCO - The Golden State Warriors are navigating unfamiliar territory this season, and Tuesday night brought another twist in the ongoing saga of Jonathan Kuminga.
In a 145-127 loss to the Toronto Raptors, the 23-year-old forward made his return to the court after more than a month on the sidelines. And while the Warriors’ defense was nowhere to be found, Kuminga’s presence was impossible to miss. In just 21 minutes, he dropped 20 points, pulled down five boards, and handed out a pair of assists - a strong showing for a player who hadn’t seen the floor since December 18.
The rust was there early, as you’d expect after such a long layoff, but Kuminga quickly found his rhythm. He attacked the rim, played with energy, and gave the Warriors exactly the kind of spark they’ve been missing. After the game, head coach Steve Kerr made it clear: this was the version of Kuminga the team needs right now.
“He came in and had great energy, attacked the rim, made some shots,” Kerr said. “I thought JK was really good, and it’s a great sign.”
The timing couldn’t be more critical. With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the foreseeable future, there’s a major void in the Warriors’ rotation - and Kuminga has a golden opportunity to fill it.
Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy both said before the game they believed Kuminga would be ready if called upon. On Tuesday, he backed that up.
But this story isn’t just about one night. It’s about what comes next.
Kuminga’s name has been swirling in trade rumors, and his camp has reportedly expressed a desire for a fresh start elsewhere. That tension came to the surface again before tipoff, when Dunleavy addressed the situation head-on.
“As far as the demand, I’m aware of that,” Dunleavy said. “In terms of demands, when there’s a demand, there needs to be a demand on the market. So we’ll see how that unfolds.”
That’s not the kind of quote you often hear from a front office executive - especially not publicly. But it speaks to the frustration that’s been building. Kuminga has struggled to find a consistent role, and the Warriors, for all their veteran experience, haven’t always carved out the developmental space he needs.
Kuminga didn’t speak to the media after the game, but his agent, Aaron Turner, fired back on social media with a pointed response - one that blended basketball politics with a bit of economics.
“Demand is sensitive to price or playing time, So if a seller sees demand is low, lower the price point or let him play and demand will go ⬆️”
The message was clear: give Kuminga minutes, and his value will rise. And to be fair, Tuesday night supported that argument.
But now comes the hard part. One game doesn’t erase months of inconsistency.
For Kuminga, the challenge has never been talent - it’s been sustaining that talent over stretches, turning flashes into fixtures. With Butler out and the trade deadline approaching on February 5, this is Kuminga’s window.
Dunleavy acknowledged as much, noting that while he wishes things had “worked out better” to this point, the current situation presents a clean slate. The Warriors are in need, and Kuminga has the stage. What he does with it could shape not just his season, but his future in the league.
Draymond Green, never one to mince words, praised his young teammate for staying ready.
“He’s been incredible,” Green said. “And that is proven by the game he had. If you’ve been a nuisance, if you will, that game doesn’t happen for you.”
It’s a telling quote - not just about Kuminga’s performance, but about how he’s handled the adversity behind the scenes. The Warriors have made it clear they’re open to working with players who want different opportunities, but they’re also committed to doing what’s best for the team.
Right now, what’s best for everyone is Kuminga playing well. Whether that leads to a bigger role in Golden State or a ticket to a new team remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with four road games on deck and a roster in flux, Kuminga’s time is now.
He’s been asking for a chance. He finally has one. The question is - can he turn it into something lasting?