Golden State Warriors’ blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler III has changed everything for the team—but not everyone has benefited. While the Warriors have surged up the standings, one young star appears to have taken a step back.
Head coach Steve Kerr recently admitted that Jonathan Kuminga has been the most affected by Butler’s arrival, as the team’s playing style has dramatically shifted.
Jimmy Butler’s Arrival Has Shifted the Warriors’ Style
The Warriors head coach made a striking admission about how the team’s style has changed since acquiring Butler. And while the trade has propelled the Warriors into playoff contention, one player has seemingly taken the biggest hit— Kuminga.
Speaking on Willard and Dibs, Kerr acknowledged how Butler’s presence has shifted the Warriors’ offensive identity, particularly impacting Kuminga’s role.
“I think he (Kuminga)’s coming along… I think the biggest thing, honestly, is we are a different team. We’re a completely different team now, since before his injury and it’s obviously because we have Jimmy Butler, and Jimmy is the best ISO player in the league, by analytics. So our style has shifted a little bit. We’re playing through Jimmy…”
“I think he (Kuminga)'s coming along… I think the biggest thing, honestly, is we are a different team. We’re a completely different team now, since before his injury and it’s obviously because we have Jimmy Butler, and Jimmy is the best ISO player in the league, by analytics. So… pic.twitter.com/ZFHj8MxsRX
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 24, 2025
Kuminga had been sidelined for 31 games after sustaining a sprained right ankle against the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 4. He made an impressive return against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 18 points and hinting at a strong comeback. But the Warriors’ game against the Atlanta Hawks saw a different reality—Kuminga was benched the entire fourth quarter in a 115-124 loss.
Before Butler’s arrival, the Warriors were struggling with a 25-26 record, sitting at 10th in the West. However, since acquiring the disgruntled Miami Heat star on Feb. 6 in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick, Golden State has gone 16-4—the second-best record in the league during that span. Now, they sit at sixth place with a 41-30 record.
Butler’s impact has been undeniable. The veteran forward has seamlessly taken over as the team’s primary isolation scorer, which has naturally reduced Kuminga’s touches. The young forward was averaging 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 45.4% shooting before his injury. But since his return, it’s clear his role is being redefined.
Against the Hawks, Butler led the way with 25 points, while Moses Moody added 20. Kuminga, on the other hand, finished with 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists—decent numbers, but his absence in crunch time raised questions about his standing in the rotation.
Warriors’ Playoff Push Amidst Curry’s Injury Concerns
The Warriors have been pushing through without a fully healthy Stephen Curry, who suffered a pelvic contusion in a brutal fall against the Toronto Raptors on March 20, although he has joined the team on its six-game road trip. In his absence, Butler has taken on an even larger role, delivering a triple-double (16 PTS, 11 REB, 12 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK) in their win over the Raptors at Chase Center.
As the Warriors look to solidify their playoff position, Kuminga’s role remains in flux. With Butler dominating the offense and the team adapting to his presence, the young forward may have to adjust his game to fit the new-look Warrior.