An NBA scout has expressed doubts about whether the Golden State Warriors offer the best environment for young forward Jonathan Kuminga as he approaches restricted free agency. The scout suggested that a sign-and-trade deal could be the optimal move for Kuminga’s career progression.
The 22-year-old, who was a first-round draft pick in 2021, has completed four seasons but has yet to secure a consistent role. Last season, he appeared in 47 games, starting 10, and averaged 15.3 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field.
Challenges in Finding Playing Time with Strengthened Warriors Roster
Despite showing promise, Kuminga’s development has been limited by competition for minutes in Golden State’s deep lineup, a situation that worsened after the team acquired Jimmy Butler during the trade deadline. The young forward faces challenges in carving out extended playing time on a team stocked with established stars such as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler himself.
According to Logan Murdock of The Ringer, Kuminga’s tendency to favor his own shot can sometimes disrupt the Warriors’ offensive flow, causing frustration among coaching staff members. The scout expressed this potential imbalance by stating,
“The best thing that happens to him is if they sign-and-trade him,”
highlighting the possibility that Kuminga might flourish more fully elsewhere.
Coach Kerr Addresses Kuminga’s Role and Team Priorities
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke openly about Kuminga’s situation in an interview with Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard. He acknowledged Kuminga’s talent and desire for a larger role but maintained that winning remains the team‘s priority. Kerr noted,
“It’s a tricky one because Jonathan obviously is gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more,”
followed by,
“And for me, I’ve been asked to win. And right now, he’s not a guy who I can say I’m going to play 38 minutes with the roster that we have — Steph and Jimmy and Draymond — and put the puzzle together that way and expect to win.”
Potential Benefits of a Sign-and-Trade Deal for Both Parties
The Warriors currently hold few young core players to build around post-Stephen Curry’s prime years, which makes Kuminga a valuable asset. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. could use Kuminga as a trade piece in pursuit of adding assets that align with the team‘s immediate championship goals.
A sign-and-trade arrangement may offer a mutually beneficial solution, allowing Golden State to receive value rather than risk losing Kuminga without compensation. For Kuminga, the move could provide an opportunity to join a team where he can secure a defined role and more consistent playing time, thus maximizing his potential in the NBA.