Jonathan Kuminga has been one of the most discussed players in the NBA since the offseason, capturing headlines with his ongoing contract negotiations. Once those were settled, Golden State Warriors fans were optimistic that the young forward would step up and become the foundational piece the team had always imagined.
Unfortunately, that vision hasn’t materialized. After a promising beginning to the season, Kuminga’s output took a sharp decline, exacerbated by a persistent injury. Even now that he’s back in action, he’s finding it increasingly difficult to secure a spot in the regular rotation.
With his playing time dwindling, speculation about a possible trade—set to become feasible on January 15th—has intensified, growing louder with each passing game.
Steve Kerr Breaks Down Kuminga’s Struggles to Earn More Court Time
What’s behind this downturn? Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently opened up about the issue, pointing out that despite Kuminga’s clear talent and the support from seasoned teammates, the 23-year-old hasn’t delivered on key expectations.
“He’s got tremendous ambition, which I really appreciate. He aspires to be a star, and his skills give him—and us—real reason to believe that’s possible. But achieving that requires a steady level of performance,” Kerr explained.
Kerr highlighted the mentorship Kuminga has received, noting, “You’ve seen Jimmy [Butler] take him under his wing this year, and I love how our veterans, like Draymond, along with the coaching staff, are advocating for him. The raw potential is undeniable, but consistency is the missing piece.”
The coach stressed that in the elite world of the NBA, raw ability alone doesn’t cut it. “This is the premier basketball league on the planet, so reliability is non-negotiable. Without it, it’s tough for me to commit to consistent minutes or starting roles. That’s what we’re pushing for: reliable production night in and night out,” he continued.
Kuminga’s Inconsistency Could Force a Trade Sooner Than Expected
The stats paint a clear picture supporting Kerr’s concerns. This season, Kuminga is posting modest averages of 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, with a dismal 32% shooting from beyond the arc.
His recent form has been even more alarming: in his past four outings, he’s reached double-digit scoring only once, even though he played at least 20 minutes in two of those games.
These numbers fall well short of what’s needed from someone pegged as the Warriors’ third scoring option alongside stars like Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry.
To make matters worse, lesser-known contributors such as Pat Spencer and Will Richard—players with presumably lower upside—have risen to the occasion, further burying Kuminga on the bench.
If this pattern persists, the patience of mentors like Butler and Draymond Green could wear thin, prompting the Warriors to part ways with their former high draft pick much earlier than anticipated.