Is the Kuminga Saga Finally Over? Warriors Fans Await Resolution as Team Faces Uncertainty Over Young Star’s Role and Future in the NBA Season

The Golden State Warriors have long been defined by their ability to blend veteran excellence with youthful promise. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson built a dynasty, while younger players were expected to carry the torch into the future. Yet the saga of Jonathan Kuminga has become one of the most frustrating and divisive storylines in the Bay Area.

After a dismal one-for-ten shooting performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach Steve Kerr announced that Kuminga would no longer be part of the rotation “for now.” While injuries to veterans like Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford may eventually force Kerr to revisit that decision, the writing appears to be on the wall: Kuminga’s time in Golden State is coming to an end.

The Experiment That Never Worked

Kuminga entered the league as a tantalizing prospect—athletic, versatile, and brimming with potential. The Warriors envisioned him as a dynamic forward who could attack the rim, defend multiple positions, and eventually grow into a star.

But the experiment has faltered. Kerr and his staff never seemed convinced of Kuminga’s fit. Attempts to mold him into a playmaker fell flat. His shooting remained inconsistent. And while flashes of brilliance appeared, they were too often followed by stretches of invisibility.

The most glaring issue has been Kuminga’s diminished fearlessness attacking the rim. Since suffering a serious ankle injury late last season, he has looked hesitant, relying on layups rather than the explosive dunks that once defined his game. Without that aggression, his weaknesses—poor shooting, inconsistent defense, and limited finesse—become magnified.

The Steph Factor

One caveat remains: Kuminga has rarely shared the floor with Stephen Curry this season. When paired with Curry, his efficiency improves dramatically. His true shooting percentage drops nearly 20 percent when Curry is off the court.

This suggests that Kuminga thrives in a finishing role alongside elite playmakers. With Curry and Butler creating opportunities, Kuminga could rack up points at the rim. But Kerr has shown little interest in exploring that dynamic, preferring to lean on veterans and proven contributors.

The result is a player stuck in limbo—too talented to ignore, yet too flawed to trust.

Value on the Decline

The Warriors now face a difficult question: has Kuminga’s trade value plummeted beyond repair? Once seen as a potential cornerstone, he now looks more like a reclamation project.

Teams considering a deal must ask: is Kuminga scared to attack the rim? Has he lost confidence in his legs? Or is he simply playing too cautiously, terrified of making mistakes that will earn him another benching?

Optimists may argue that a change of scenery could unlock his potential. Freed from Kerr’s rigid system, Kuminga might rediscover his aggression and flourish. But skeptics see a player whose flaws outweigh his strengths.

Potential Trade Partners

Despite his struggles, Kuminga remains a name of interest around the league. Several teams have been linked to him, though the feasibility of deals varies.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have been mentioned frequently, with names like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy floated in hypothetical packages. Realistically, Murphy is untouchable, and Jones may be too valuable defensively to move. Still, New Orleans’ front office has a history of questionable decisions, and Kuminga’s talent could tempt them.

The fit, however, is questionable. Pairing Kuminga with young bigs like Dereck Lively and Yves Missi could create redundancy rather than synergy.

Los Angeles Clippers

A swap involving Ivica Zubac was once considered plausible. Today, Kuminga’s value has dipped so far that the Clippers would likely demand additional assets. Still, the Clippers could view Kuminga as a low-risk flyer, hoping he blossoms in a new environment.

For Golden State, Zubac would provide the reliable center they’ve lacked—a physical presence who can rebound, protect the rim, and hold his own against elite bigs.

John Collins Scenario

Perhaps the most intriguing option is John Collins. Once a rising star, Collins has struggled in recent seasons, his shooting percentages dipping and his role diminishing. Yet his skill set aligns perfectly with Golden State’s needs.

Collins offers size, rebounding, rim protection, and the ability to play both power forward and small-ball center. He could slot alongside Draymond, Horford, or rookie Quinton Post, unlocking versatile lineups.

A deal involving Kuminga and Buddy Hield for Collins and Nicolas Batum has been suggested. While not flashy, it could provide the Warriors with the exact type of players they need: a lob threat finisher in Collins and a connective veteran in Batum.

What Do the Warriors Want?

The Warriors’ priorities are clear: maximize the final years of Curry’s career. That means surrounding him with reliable, complementary pieces.

Size and Rim Protection: Golden State has long lacked a dependable center. Draymond can play small-ball five, but not full-time. Horford is aging. Post is unproven.
Versatility: A forward who can rebound, defend, and finish at the rim would unlock countless lineup combinations.
Financial Flexibility: The Warriors must also consider contracts. Moving off Buddy Hield’s deal and acquiring expiring contracts could ease their cap situation.

Collins and Batum fit these criteria. They may not be stars, but they could stabilize a roster desperate for balance.

The Case for Moving On

For Kuminga, a trade represents freedom. In Golden State, every mistake feels magnified. Every missed shot risks another benching. In a new environment, he could play without fear, rediscover his aggression, and grow into the player many believed he could be.

For the Warriors, moving on eliminates a distraction. It allows them to focus on winning now, rather than juggling development and contention. And it provides Curry, Green, and Butler with the support they need for one last run.

The Case for Holding On

There is, however, a counterargument. Kuminga is still young. His athleticism remains elite. If he regains confidence attacking the rim, he could become a valuable contributor. Trading him now, at his lowest value, risks regret.

The Warriors must weigh the possibility of a resurgence against the reality of their current needs. With Curry’s window closing, patience may no longer be a luxury.

Conclusion: An Inevitable Breakup

The Jonathan Kuminga saga has dragged on long enough. His fit in Golden State has never been seamless, his development has stalled, and his confidence has waned. Kerr’s decision to remove him from the rotation underscores the inevitability of a split.

Whether it’s New Orleans, Los Angeles, or a creative deal for John Collins, the Warriors must act. Kuminga deserves a fresh start, and Golden State deserves players who can help them win now.

The end of the Kuminga era is not just likely—it is necessary. For both player and team, the time has come to move forward.