Kerr Struggles to Fit Kuminga Into Rotation as Warriors Navigate Roster Dates and Staff Changes
kerr-minutes-kuminga-warriors-roster-staff-updates
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Monday night that forward Jonathan Kuminga currently has no clear route back into the Warriors’ regular rotation. Kuminga has logged fewer than 10 minutes in each of the last eight games in which he was active and was a DNP-CD in seven of them.
“It’s tough because he’s not really a short-minute player,” Kerr said after the victory in Brooklyn. “He needs some rhythm… He always has to stay ready. There’s a pathway there, but right now it’s not there.”
The 23-year-old opened the season in the starting lineup following a lengthy restricted free-agency standoff but was soon moved to the bench and has since fallen out of the rotation entirely. Kuminga cannot be traded until January 15.
Key roster eligibility dates
• Gary Payton II became trade-eligible on Monday.
• De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford will reach eligibility on Thursday, according to league records for the 2025-26 season.
There is no indication Golden State plans to move Melton. The 27-year-old guard, returning from an ACL tear, has helped the club post a +17.4 net rating and a 105.5 defensive rating across his first 171 minutes. Melton is still skipping back-to-backs but has played 24 minutes in each of his past two appearances.
“I talked to him yesterday in Toronto and he said his body’s feeling really good,” Kerr noted. “Hopefully we’ll get to a point this season where he’s able to play back-to-backs, but for now we’re being cautious.”
DeMarco heads to Liberty
Monday’s contest at Barclays Center also marked the final game for assistant coach Chris DeMarco before he transitions to head coach of the WNBA’s New York Liberty. “It’s surreal,” Kerr said. “He’s staying here.”
Hield prepared for trade chatter
Sharpshooter Buddy Hield, averaging a career-low 17.6 minutes, has already been traded at the deadline in 2017, 2022 and 2024. Aware that speculation will surface again, Hield said he is unfazed. “Everybody’s trying to be fake GM, trying to see what’s best for their team. I know whatever comes, comes… If something like that happens, I’ll be ready.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
