Jonathan Kuminga Breaks Silence As Warriors Era Nears Its End
Jonathan Kuminga has finally opened up about his uncertain future with the Golden State Warriors, and he isn't holding back. In a revealing interview with The Athletic's Anthony Slater, the 21-year-old forward made it clear: he feels he never truly got the chance to showcase who he is or what he could become.
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"I feel like I'm at the point where that has to be my priority, to just be one of the guys a team relies on. Aiming to be an All-Star. Multiple times. Aiming to be great."
"Wherever I'm going to be at, it don't matter if it's the Warriors or if it's anywhere else, it's something I want. I want to see what I could do. I know I got it. So I want to really see. I've never got that chance."
That quote speaks volumes. For years, Kuminga has been heralded as one of Golden State's most promising young players, but his time with the Warriors has been marred by inconsistency, limited opportunities, and changing team dynamics.
Even after flashes of brilliance, he's still searching for a home or perhaps just a franchise that will treat him like a foundational piece.
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In 2023–24, Kuminga played 74 games and put up career-best numbers: 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on an efficient 52.9% shooting from the field. However, his momentum was abruptly stalled the following year.
Injuries limited him to just 47 appearances in 2024–25, and once Jimmy Butler arrived at the trade deadline, Kuminga was pushed further down the pecking order. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, while shooting just 45.4% from the floor, a significant drop.
The writing has been on the wall for months. Kuminga has reportedly been unhappy with his role, and head coach Steve Kerr hasn't exactly shut down the trade chatter. Kerr himself even admitted that Kuminga 'may not be the right piece' for the Warriors' future. A damning stat also backs up the narrative: the Warriors went 0-7 this season in games where Kuminga played more than 20 minutes.
With the Warriors no longer resembling the dynasty of old, the franchise now finds itself at a crossroads. Kuminga is a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Warriors can match any offer sheet.
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However, they have just $25 million in breathing room before crossing the first tax apron, and about $36 million before triggering the more punitive second apron. A max deal for Kuminga would severely handicap their flexibility, and the Warriors are reportedly not interested in offering him that kind of contract anyway.
Rumors are swirling that Kuminga could be moved on draft night, possibly as part of a package to acquire another star or to secure multiple assets. Several teams have shown interest, seeing Kuminga as a high-upside project who just needs a change of scenery to blossom.
As of now, it feels all but inevitable that Kuminga's time in the Bay Area is over. Once seen as a cornerstone for the post-Steph era, he's now inching closer to becoming the latest talented young Warrior to seek opportunity elsewhere. And for Kuminga, that opportunity is simple: he wants to be great, with or without Golden State.
Related: Bold Trade Idea: Warriors Land Versatile Big Man In 3-Team Deal With Grizzlies And Nets
This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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