Jonathan Kuminga ‘knows’ something about Head Coach Steve Kerr that makes him want to leave the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors’ contract saga with Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t just been the overarching story of their offseason. It’s been their offseason. They have been unable to conduct any offseason moves as they seek a resolution.
Kuminga thinks the Warriors have stunted his growth. He rejected a $75.2 million contract and looks set to take a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer in order to leave next summer. The relationship between him and the Warriors is sour.
“Do you even want me here?” was the question Kuminga posed to owner Joe Lacob in an urgent meeting on August 11, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. It seems, however, that the question was better aimed at his Head Coach, Steve Kerr.
Jonathan Kuminga knows that Steve Kerr doesn’t want him to be a Golden State Warrior
The signs of distaste between Kuminga and the Warriors were littered throughout last season. He rode the back end of the bench during the second half of the year, only seeing true court time once Stephen Curry was injured in the playoffs.
NBA reporter Tim MacMahon explained that Kuminga’s lack of playing time stems from Kerr, who doesn’t want the young star on the team. That is playing a significant part in this contract saga between Kuminga and the Warriors.
MacMahon said on NBA Today, “Steve Kerr doesn’t want Kuminga. Kuminga doesn’t want to play for the Warriors in part because he knows the coach doesn’t want him.”
Curry hopes for a resolution between Kuminga and the Warriors as he eyes his fifth championship this season alongside Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. But MacMahon predicts a messy season if Kuminga were to stay.
He continued, “There are going to be chemistry issues. This is going to be a disaster if they bring back Kuminga… You think he’s going to want to pass the ball? You think he’s going to play team ball? He’s going to want the ball, he’s going to want minutes.”
Golden State Warriors slammed for rejecting trade offer for Jonathan Kuminga
While the Warriors look to find a solution with Kuminga, there are potential suitors eyeing him around the NBA. The Phoenix Suns want Kuminga, but are willing to wait until next summer to sign him. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are aggressively pursuing him.
Despite his lack of on-court action last season, Kuminga is a desirable asset. He looked to be the Warriors’ next young star after an incredible run of form in January 2024. Green said that Kuminga was going to play a significant role on the team for years to come.
The promise that Kuminga showed during that season means Sacramento is willing to give up a key piece to acquire him. The Kings offered Malik Monk for Kuminga, in addition to a first-round pick. But the Warriors rejected that offer, much to the dismay of MacMahon.
He commented, “I wonder what they think they can get that’s better than Malik Monk and a first-round pick?”
It seems obvious to everyone but the Warriors that Kuminga’s time in Golden State is over. In their denial, they are holding themselves back from a productive offseason.
They have the likes of Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton waiting for the Kuminga saga to end so they can sign with the team. Until they put pen to paper, the Warriors risk losing out on those key pieces for next season, so now is the time for them finally to act decisively.