Warriors Trade Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga's 'hot and cold' relationship with Steve Kerr decides his fate
As the Golden State Warriors prepare for what could be a busy trade season, Jonathan Kuminga is by far their most interesting asset. Whether or not the former lottery pick goes on the move could depend on his dynamic with his head coach.
When Golden State drafted Kuminga seventh overall in 2021, they expected him to blossom into a key piece of the franchise's future. He's shown some flashes, but nothing consistent enough to prove he can be a pillar. The organization now finds itself at a crossroads, as Kuminga will be a free agent this summer.
In a Friday column for ESPN, insider Brian Windhorst touched on Kuminga's situation with the Warriors. Ownership appears to still be high on him, but his up-and-down relationship with Steve Kerr could be a key factor in any trade talks.
"Warriors owner Joe Lacob still has an affinity for Kuminga, league sources told ESPN, even as Kerr seems to run hot and cold with him. But a strong message came this fall when Kuminga and the team didn't agree to a contract extension. The sides never got particularly close, sources said, which made it clear that Golden State's belief in his future had its limits, at least for now."
On the season, Kuminga is averaging 15.2 points and 4.5 rebounds. Earlier this month, he had a career outing against the Houston Rockets, erupting for 33 points in a win.
Jonathan Kuminga and Warriors coach Steve Kerr have a storied history
The dynamic between Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga has long been an underlying storyline for the Golden State Warriors. Kerr's swapping from the bench to the starting lineup is just the latest wrinkle in their storied past.
Things hit a fever pitch between Kuminga and Kerr last season when the young forward openly called out Kerr. After just playing 18 minutes in a loss to the Denver Nuggets, reports emerged regarding his true feelings. Shams Charania cited that Kuminga has lost faith in Kerr and that he doesn't think he can help him reach his potential.
"After sitting for the final 18 minutes of Thursday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has lost faith in coach Steve Kerr, and the 2021 lottery pick no longer believes Kerr will allow him to reach his full potential, sources close to Kuminga tell The Athletic."
Golden State has pushed things off with Kuminga, but time is slowly running out for them. If they don't plan on extending him, making him available in trade talks is the best course of action.
Dating back to the summer, Golden State has been connected to numerous high-level talents. If they want to land a new co-star for Steph Curry, they might be forced to part ways with a prospect like Kuminga.