The status of Jonathan Kuminga has recently been updated (to some degree) as the player, approaching 23 years of age, reportedly consented to a two-year, $48.5 million agreement with the Golden State Warriors on the recent Tuesday, inclusive of a team option for the second year. This development is somewhat finalized, given that various unresolved inquiries remain.
Presented below are three prominent questions.
1. Is a Kuminga trade still probable?
The prevailing expectation suggests an affirmative response. Excluding Joe Lacob, there’s no apparent strong commitment to Kuminga within the Warriors organization, and Kuminga seemingly expressed interest in departing from the Warriors. This alliance appears to be driven by a lack of alternatives, suggesting that the Warriors would likely pursue a mutually beneficial resolution if the opportunity arises.
Nonetheless, both entities are currently motivated to ensure Kuminga’s performance. Success for Kuminga could provide Golden State with a significant contributor heading into the playoffs, under favorable contract terms, or a valuable asset for potential trades. Simultaneously, Kuminga is showcasing his capabilities in anticipation of his subsequent contract. This rationale likely influenced his decision to agree to a two-year term instead of Golden State’s offer of three years (with a team option for the third year), enabling him to attain free agency a year earlier. This also positions him as a more appealing player for teams potentially seeking mid-season trades, owing to the second year’s guaranteed team perspective, which wouldn’t have been the case if Kuminga had accepted the one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer.
In summary, the agreement is designed to facilitate the possibility of trading Kuminga before the February deadline. The situation bears resemblance to the Warriors’ acquisition of D’Angelo Russell in the sign-and-trade deal for Kevin Durant during the summer of 2019. Russell was never a preferred choice, and his style clashed with Golden State’s gameplay. The underlying intention, irrespective of public declarations, consistently involved trading him. It seems probable that a similar plan is in place for Kuminga. This arrangement merely grants them additional time to explore opportunities.
2. What will be Kuminga’s designated function?
This presents an intriguing question. In the initial months of the season, will the Warriors prioritize Kuminga’s utilization in a manner that optimizes team performance, or will they emphasize highlighting his strengths to enhance his trade value?
It is unlikely he will be a starter, which he has stated he would like the opportunity to do. Despite Al Horford’s status as a dependable 3-point shooter at the center position (a notable acquisition for Golden State with potential implications for championship contention), alongside Steph Curry’s contribution akin to one and a half players in terms of spacing, initiating a lineup with three non-shooters poses challenges. Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are certain participants. The final position is likely to be occupied by a more proficient shooter, possibly Brandin Podziemski or even Buddy Hield.
Nonetheless, Steve Kerr has expressed openness to lineups that feature both Butler and Kuminga during this season. Last year, following Butler’s arrival, Kuminga’s presence in the rotation significantly diminished, as Kerr expressed reservations about the spacing limitations resulting from that pairing.
Yet, when Curry was sidelined and Kerr had limited alternatives, Kuminga demonstrated his ability to thrive alongside any teammate in the Minnesota series, provided he maintains confidence and adopts an aggressive approach. The central factor isn’t necessarily whether Kuminga starts or concludes games but whether he’s positioned to leverage his strengths whenever he’s on the court.
If Kerr continues to assign him the role of an off-ball cutter and occasional secondary scorer, a role Kuminga perceives as beneath his skill level, it’s reasonable to question Kuminga’s commitment to that role. Even considering his motivation to perform optimally under his current contract to secure a favorable next contract, he may disengage and hope the Warriors find the situation unsustainable, leading to a trade with minimal return value.
Conversely, if he perceives a sense of prioritization, even in minor aspects, and achieves a positive start, fosters favorable relationships, and maintains high confidence, he could emerge as a Sixth Man of the Year contender. This would represent an optimal outcome for the Warriors, despite Kuminga’s potential aversion to the label of “Sixth Man.”
3. To what extent can Kuminga benefit the Warriors?
Substantially. Regardless of prevailing opinions, he stands as the sole player on the team with his distinct skill set as an athletic, assertive shot creator and an above-the-rim finisher. The team composition skews towards seasoned veterans, and Kuminga’s energy could serve as a significant factor for a team aiming for a championship.
While the Warriors refrained from trading him during the summer due to insufficient return value, a segment of the organization acknowledges Kuminga’s potential and remains hesitant to abandon the possibility of its more consistent realization.
Should that occur, caution is advised. The Warriors possess all other essential elements. The Horford acquisition is substantial. Curry and Butler formed one of the league’s most formidable duos before Curry’s injury in the second round. Butler has displayed a reluctance to assume primary scoring responsibilities in lineups without Curry, suggesting that Kuminga’s ability to step into that role could differentiate between a second-tier contender and a top-tier one, assuming he remains with the team past the trade deadline.
