Jonathan Kuminga Injury Update: Massive development seen in Warriors second best scorer's recovery
Jonathan Kuminga is making major progress amid his ongoing injury hiatus. While he remains multiple games away from his return, the Warriors' second-best scorer this season was spotted without a walking boot during Wednesday's game between the Warriors and Timberwolves.
The Athletic's Anthony Slater said Kuminga had worn the gear throughout the Warriors road trip, so it's a significant development. Kuminga suffered a right ankle sprain on Jan. 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies. He was coming into his own amid a rough patch for the Dubs, so his absence has impacted the Warriors' results.
Amid his injury absence, the Warriors were 1-4 before recording their second win in six games against the Timberwolves.
He was the team's second-best scorer before his injury, averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game on 46/35/64 splits. The Warriors missed his offensive production amid this lean stretch, often losing games because of their lack of paint scorers. Kuminga is one of the only players who provides them with that element.
Warriors remain adamant about retaining Jonathan Kuminga amid trade rumors
Jonathan Kuminga has been a polarizing player among the Warriors fanbase. With his up-and-down production, the tone of his prospects as a trade candidate has often changed. The buzz around it has been higher over the past couple of months since the Warriors got linked with disgruntled Heat star Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga is essentially the piece that gets the Warriors major upgrades in the form of an All-Star caliber player. According to NBA trade rumors, the Heat also wanted Kuminga in return in their negotiations with the Warriors. However, the Warriors are unwilling to part ways with Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins in a deal.
Meanwhile, Steve Kerr, Steph Curry and Draymond Green have seemingly accepted the Warriors' fate of potentially not mortgaging their future for a final push at a fifth championship with the duo.
All signs point toward Jonathan Kuminga staying put in the Bay Area and possibly signing an extension this summer.