Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga believes he is again being blamed for the team’s problems after head coach Steve Kerr removed him from the starting lineup, a team source told ESPN’s Anthony Slater on Thursday.
Strong start led to starting role
Kerr elevated the 22-year-old to full-time starter status after the Warriors opened the season 4-1, praising Kuminga’s rebounding and aggressive drives. During those five games, the 6-foot-8 wing averaged 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 30.2 minutes while shooting 53.7 percent from the floor and 76.2 percent from the free-throw line. His 37 total rebounds marked the best five-game stretch of his career.
Production dipped during skid
Golden State dropped five of its next seven contests, and Kuminga’s numbers fell to 12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 26.3 minutes with 43.9 percent shooting and 23 turnovers. Kerr responded by moving him back to a bench role.
Feeling singled out
“He feels like the scapegoat again,” the unnamed source told ESPN. Kuminga was then listed with knee soreness as Stephen Curry guided the club to three consecutive victories. The Warriors’ uptick without him prompted questions about his long-term fit.
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, asked about the situation, defended the forward: “Him not being in the lineup ain’t the reason that we’re winning. We’re just playing better basketball. If he was in the lineup, I still believe that we win these games.”
Contract restricts any immediate trade
Kuminga’s 92-day contract stalemate ended two days into training camp when he signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal that includes a 2026-27 team option, a 15 percent trade bonus and a trade restriction. Because he re-signed as an unrestricted free agent, league rules bar the Warriors from trading him until Jan. 15, one month later than the standard Dec. 15 eligibility date for most free agents.
The club option gives either Golden State or a potential acquiring team control of the second season should a trade occur after the restriction lifts.
For now, Kuminga remains on the bench, trying to reclaim the role that only weeks ago seemed secure.
Source: basketballinsiders.org
