While the Golden State Warriors find themselves at an undeniable crossroads, a burning question remains: Is Jonathan Kuminga capable of carrying the torch after Stephen Curry?
Having seen one season pass without a playoff appearance and the departure of Klay Thompson, it is clear that the Warriors are at the beginning of a new era. In such a charged moment, Kuminga boasts tantalizing possibilities of becoming perhaps the next cornerstone of this franchise.
Kuminga is only 22 years old, an ideal modern small forward, blessed with the athleticism of a small center. The fans describe him as a “special player”, in fact, “the only Warrior with Superstar potential” because he plays bigger than his listing.
In his third season, he finished nearly 75% of restricted-area shots, equalling the output of a good NBA center.
But Kuminga didn’t just shine on into Warriors history. He broke the single-season dunk record (138), and during a memorable performance in January 2024, he tied the franchise record for most field goals without a miss (11 for 11), according to Andy Hoops.
The Warriors coach Steve Kerr has repeatedly acknowledged Kuminga’s development as a partner with Curry, often using him as a screener whose dive to the rim wrecks defenses.
“Steve Kerr knew that Jonathan Kuminga was on his way to becoming possibly the new face of the franchise after Steph Curry,” according to Andy Hoops (6:42).
NBA Champion Kuminga’s newly added layer of physicality has garnered him many more free-throw attempts, a testament to him becoming more present on the offensive side of things.
Jonathan Kuminga’s frustrations have been out in the open
Jonathan Kuminga has voiced his bewilderment at Kerr’s “stay ready” mantra since he thinks he has earned that role pretty much permanently. Enough playing time inconsistency, mixed with Kerr’s tougher love on young ones, understandably has created a friction.
“No matter the circumstances I’m in, always got to stay ready,” Kuminga said, according to Clutchpoints. “But I feel like I’ve been ready. I hate the fact that everybody gets to tell me every other time, ‘be ready, be ready,’ you know? Because in my mental and my mindset, I’m ready. The more you tell me get ready, get ready, it’s kind of irritating, but I’m ready.”
Kuminga says “no matter what circumstances I’m in, always got to stay ready.” Said it’s been tough not playing the previous three games, but “whenever your moment happens, it’s going to happen.”
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) April 24, 2025
Says he tries not to think about why he’s not playing.
Extended thoughts: pic.twitter.com/xousVCHIg9
On top of that, the Jimmy Butler trade ended up being another dagger to the heart. Kuminga’s minutes were gone; he had multiple DNP-CDs (Did Not Play-Coach’s Decision) in very important games.
With Butler’s injury just before the Houston game, Kuminga was thrown back into the fold. Game 2 was quite a mixed bag for him: 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting, energy bursts, but rough finishes. While Curry praised his aggressiveness, Kerr admitted that Kuminga might be needed now more than ever.
Meanwhile, Kuminga’s name has become hot in free agency rumors, targeting the Nets essentially, with $60.7 million in cap space, according to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz.
Analysts suggest a move to Brooklyn could be a great fit, finance-wise and system-wise, under the new head coach, Jordi Fernandez, who helped Ziaire Williams flourish into a promising starter.
But before he covers up his flaws with diamonds- before Kuminga turns chances into stardom- is a heavy decision looming in front of the Warriors that will free forever echo in the corridors of their future.
The other side of the Jonathan Kuminga’s story is hard to overlook
Defensively, Jonathan Kuminga is still a work in progress. He gives up far too many uncontested shots, often misses rotations, lacks a consistent motor, and at times just appears disconnected on that end. Despite his intoxicating athletic body, Kuminga’s defensive IQ is far behind.
Lazy ass defense by kuminga pic.twitter.com/squVmpF2Qy
— Noah 🏀 (@NoahF31511) April 4, 2025
Shooting-wise, his jump shot is still a work in progress-slow, mechanical, and trustworthy only when he’s wide open. Kuminga can’t create his own shot under pressure in the way that stars like Harden or Durant would, per reports.
These questions are part of the trigger for the Warriors’ hesitance in handing him the keys to the future. Uncertainties are ever present in negotiations regarding his contract.
Multiple sources report that Kuminga rejected several rookie extension offers, asking for “well over $30 million per year”, a figure typically reserved for proven franchise players like Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes.
However, Warriors front office members feel that Jonathan Kuminga needs another year to prove himself before they are willing to make that kind of monumental investment.
