Why the Kuminga Rift Could Send the Warriors into a Tailspin
The Warriors have built a reputation as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking franchises in the NBA, but the current Jonathan Kuminga situation exposes a level of dysfunction that could derail their future in real-time. This standoff isn’t just a locker-room tension story; it’s a front office failure that has stalled their entire offseason. As training camp begins, they’re sitting at just nine signed players because they’ve allowed this situation to drag on instead of making a decisive move. The fact that they drafted Kuminga years ago, despite knowing they had no real time or structure to develop a raw, high-ceiling athlete properly, already set the stage for disaster. The franchise has Steph Curry nearing the end of his prime, and now that Jimmy Butler is entering his twilight years, there is no runway left for “maybe in three years” prospects.
What makes this worse is that the Warriors reportedly turned down real, valuable trade offers this summer, such as Malik Monk and a first-round pick from the Kings, because they were afraid Kuminga might thrive elsewhere. That logic is laughable for a team that claims to still be in win-now mode. If you’re worried that a young player you won’t even play might blossom elsewhere, then you’ve already admitted he’s a misfit on your roster. With Curry and Butler on the clock, Golden State should be taking every realistic opportunity to bolster the roster around them before their window slams shut. Instead, they’re clinging to a development project that clearly doesn’t fit Steve Kerr’s system, while letting the roster rot from inactivity and indecision.
Even worse, the Warriors seem to be setting themselves up to lose Kuminga for nothing. If this thing drags on into the season and he's either benched or unhappy, his trade value will tank. Right now, teams are still willing to offer meaningful players and picks. Yet, if he spends the first half of the season frustrated and underused before the deadline, Golden State will be lucky to get a second-round pick or two. If he plays out the year and walks next summer, that’s malpractice. He doesn't want to be there, and Kerr has never shown much interest in giving him the consistent role he would need to grow. Refusing to act now only guarantees the worst possible outcome.
