Kuminga Addresses Contract, Kleber Sidelined Briefly, Coward Impresses, Blazers Temper Goals, Grant Flexible on Role
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SAN FRANCISCO — Forward Jonathan Kuminga practiced with the Warriors for the first time this training camp on Thursday, logging roughly half of the team’s scrimmage time, head coach Steve Kerr said. The 22-year-old recently signed a two-year, $46.8 million agreement that includes a team option for 2026-27.
Contract talks stretched through the summer in part because Kuminga did not want to re-sign merely to become trade ballast. Asked if he now believes Golden State envisions him long-term, Kuminga replied, “I would say so, based on me being back here. … My focus is this year, pushing and actually helping us win.”
Kuminga added that remaining with the Warriors beyond the new deal is his objective but acknowledged the NBA’s uncertainty. After an uneven first four seasons—he logged multiple DNP-CDs late last year and in the playoffs—he said he is determined to contribute at both ends in 2025-26. “If it’s an assignment to guard the best player, or if they need me to score, I’m open-minded to it,” he said.
Lakers: Minor Quad Issue for Kleber
EL SEGUNDO — Lakers head coach JJ Redick said center Maxi Kleber has a minor quadriceps injury and will miss a few days as a precaution. Kleber, acquired from Dallas in February’s Luka Dončić blockbuster, suffered a broken foot in January and did not debut for Los Angeles until Game 5 of the first-round series against Minnesota—L.A.’s final game of the postseason.
Grizzlies: Rookie Coward Drawing Early Raves
NASHVILLE — No. 11 overall pick Cedric Coward is turning heads at the Grizzlies’ camp at Belmont University. “He’s kind of exceeded my expectations,” point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. said, noting that Coward compares favorably with other top prospects he has seen. Memphis traded a future first-round selection and two second-rounders to move up from No. 16 to draft the 6-foot-8 forward in June.
Trail Blazers: Cronin Scales Back Immediate Targets
PORTLAND — General manager Joe Cronin moderated July’s “winning time now” proclamation, saying this week the franchise will not measure success solely by postseason results. “Do we want the play-in? Yes. Do we want to win 16 playoff games? Yes,” Cronin said. “But I won’t be disappointed if those things don’t happen as long as we’re continually growing. We’re still thinking big-picture.”
Grant Says He’ll Accept Any Role
Forward Jerami Grant, who previously said he did not expect to come off the bench, clarified Thursday that he would not be upset if the coaching staff opts to use him as a reserve. “I’m fine, man,” he told reporters.
Source: Hoops Rumors
