The Golden State Warriors’ 2025-26 season has been overshadowed by multiple rumors surrounding their 2021 first-round pick, Jonathan Kuminga, and head coach Steve Kerr. Reports have hinted at a rocky relationship for months, fueling longstanding trade talks even before the campaign began.
However, despite multiple rumors, the Warriors have yet to trade Kuminga, leaving Kerr to answer some viral questions about the young NBA star’s future in Golden State.
Warriors HC Steve Kerr Sheds Light On Jonathan Kuminga’s Uncertain Future With Team
In a recent interview, following the Warriors’ massive 120-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Kerr was asked about Kuminga’s role on the team and whether he would be back in the rotation soon.
Kerr ended up speaking about Kuminga as a player, indicating that it might be some time before he returns to play.
Fans believe Kerr’s words hint at a future trade, with the team merely waiting for offers before making a decision when he becomes eligible to move.
“It’s tough because he’s not really a short-minute player. I played a bunch of guys eight, 10 minutes. JK is a guy who needs his rhythm,” Kerr said. “He’s not like a Gui (Santos) who’s going to come in or Pat (Spencer) and just fly around and play with great energy for four minutes and come out. He needs some rhythm. He always has to stay ready. There’s a pathway there, but right now, it’s not there. But things change quickly in the NBA.”
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Having said that, Kuminga hasn’t been playing his best this year.
He’s been averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 43.1% from the field. This is a slight dip from his previous season’s average, during which he averaged 15.3 points.
Fans also noticed a lack of consistency, as the team ultimately leaned on Jimmy Butler III in clutch moments.
Furthermore, previous reports have hinted at a disconnect between the HC and Kuminga, which only deepened when the team signed Butler last season. Kuminga is said to be frustrated with Kerr, the root cause of which is attributed to his depleted role.
Kerr Had Previously Spoken About Rewarding Kuminga’s Hard Work
A few days ago, Kerr addressed Kuminga’s return to rotation, telling the media and fans that he plans to reward the 23-year-old’s hard work.
“JK has been great [in practice] this last week as he’s been out of the rotation. He’s working really hard and I’m going to reward that,” Kerr explained. “He’s needs to be back out there. It’s tricky, I think we have 14-15 guys who I feel really comfortable putting on the floor, but I also only feel comfortable playing eleven at the most each night.”
Irrespective of what the Warriors decide, one can’t deny the change in the locker room atmosphere. Many point out that even though the Warriors might want to retain Kuminga, the young forward is ready for an out.
