Jonathan Kuminga’s Role in Flux as Warriors Seek Stability Amid Trade Rumors
As the Golden State Warriors prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, all eyes are once again on Jonathan Kuminga - not just for what he might do on the court, but whether he’ll even get the chance.
The Warriors are sitting at an even 13-13 on the season, still trying to find their rhythm despite having most of their key players back in the rotation. Their most recent outing, a 127-120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighted the inconsistency that’s plagued them this year - and Kuminga’s situation is quickly becoming a microcosm of that uncertainty.
The 23-year-old forward has been the subject of renewed trade speculation as the deadline creeps closer, and his role within Steve Kerr’s rotation remains murky at best. He’s played in just 17 games so far this season, averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. The shooting numbers tell part of the story - 43.8% from the field and just 32% from beyond the arc - but the bigger issue may be how he fits into the Warriors’ ever-shifting game plan.
Kuminga was a DNP in that loss to Minnesota - his second straight game on the bench - even with Draymond Green out of the lineup. That decision raised eyebrows, especially considering Kuminga had shown flashes of promise against the same Timberwolves team during last year’s playoffs. But instead of giving Kuminga a shot, Kerr turned to Gui Santos, who made the most of his limited minutes.
“Just right now, it’s where things are,” Kerr said postgame. “You saw Gui [Santos] come in there for, you know, six minutes, and he lit up the crowd with his energy and the ball movement.
That was maybe the best stretch of the game for our offense, just with the flow. It’s just where it is right now, but it can change very quickly.”
That “it can change very quickly” part is key - and it applies just as much to the team’s broader situation as it does to Kuminga’s. The Warriors are healthy heading into tonight’s matchup, with the lone exception being veteran big man Al Horford, who remains out with a back injury. That means the coaching staff has options - but it also means the competition for minutes is fierce.
Kuminga is expected to be available tonight, but there’s no guarantee he’ll see the floor. And with multiple teams reportedly circling as potential trade partners, the Warriors are facing a tough decision.
Do they continue to develop the athletic, high-upside forward who’s shown flashes of brilliance? Or do they look to move him in hopes of finding a piece that better fits their current timeline?
For now, the focus - at least publicly - remains on improvement. Kuminga has kept a positive attitude despite the recent benchings, but if he wants to carve out a consistent role, he’ll need to make the most of whatever opportunities come his way - whether that’s tonight in Portland or somewhere else down the line.
One thing’s clear: the Warriors are at a crossroads, and so is Kuminga. The next few weeks could go a long way in determining the direction of both.