The Golden State Warriors’ injury-plagued season took another emotional toll on Monday night, and one of the most heartfelt reactions came from an unexpected place — former teammate Jonathan Kuminga.
Shortly after news broke that 23-year-old guard Moses Moody had suffered a torn left patellar tendon during Golden State’s 137-131 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks, Kuminga — now with the Atlanta Hawks — took to Threads with a raw, simple message that spoke volumes about their bond:
“Not my brother mo money bro🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️”
The nickname “Mo Money” has followed Moody since his early days with the Warriors, and Kuminga’s use of it showed just how close the two remain despite now playing on different teams.
A Shared Draft Class and Shared Journey
Kuminga and Moody were both selected by the Warriors in the 2021 NBA Draft — Kuminga at No. 7 overall and Moody at No. 14 — as part of Golden State’s long-term plan to build the next core around Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
For nearly five seasons, the two young wings navigated similar challenges: earning minutes in a veteran-heavy championship system, competing for the same developmental opportunities, and learning how to contribute on both ends of the floor under Steve Kerr. Their paths were intertwined from the very beginning.
Kuminga’s time in Golden State ended on February 5 when he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks after struggling to find consistent playing time. Moody, meanwhile, had finally begun to break out into a reliable two-way starter before Monday’s devastating non-contact injury.
In his final game, Moody was electric: 23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals in what was his first game back from a wrist sprain. He was playing the most complete basketball of his young career.
Injury Details and Recovery Outlook
The Warriors announced Tuesday that Moody suffered a torn left patellar tendon. He will undergo surgery later this week, ending his 2025-26 season. Coach Steve Kerr noted that imaging showed no cartilage or bone damage — a small but important positive in what is otherwise a serious injury. Recovery from a patellar tendon tear typically takes 6-12 months.
Losing Moody is a significant blow for a Warriors team already dealing with multiple key absences, including Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III. Moody had emerged as one of their most dependable rotation pieces, providing size, athleticism, shooting, and defensive versatility off the wing.
Kuminga’s Reaction Resonates
Kuminga’s quick, emotional response cut through the noise and reminded many that the relationships formed in those early developmental years often last well beyond trades and roster changes.
Even after going their separate ways, the bond between the two 2021 draft classmates remains strong. Kuminga’s message was one of the more personal and visible reactions from around the NBA, highlighting how tightly linked their journeys have been since draft night.
For the Warriors, Moody’s absence forces another adjustment to the rotation during a critical late-season stretch as they fight for play-in positioning. Depth and defensive versatility — areas Moody had improved in significantly — are now bigger concerns.
For Kuminga, the moment served as a reminder of the foundation of his NBA career — one that will always be connected to Moody and those early years in Golden State.
Injuries like this are a sobering part of the game. Moody faces a long road back, but at just 23 years old with a strong work ethic and a track record of steady improvement, there is every reason to believe he can return better than ever.
Get well soon, Mo Money. The basketball world — and especially your former teammate in Atlanta — is rooting hard for your recovery.