The Golden State Warriors remain a formidable team with stars Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and new arrival Jimmy Butler, but their championship window is rapidly closing as all three players are 35 or older. At the center of growing unease is Jonathan Kuminga, who has rejected a $45 million two-year contract extension offered by the Warriors, intensifying speculation about his future with the team. This ongoing standoff raises serious questions about the Warriors’ long-term outlook after Curry’s prime.

Former Champion Kendrick Perkins Issues Warning on Kuminga Situation

Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA champion turned analyst, expressed sharp concerns about Golden State’s handling of Kuminga, whom he believes the team has failed to nurture properly as a 2021 first-round pick. Perkins warned the Warriors risk jeopardizing their future by mishandling Kuminga, especially because their current stars likely have only two or three competitive seasons remaining.

I think the Warriors are treading in dangerous waters when it comes down to this Kuminga situation,

Perkins said on the Road Trippin podcast.

We could all agree that this window with Steph and Jimmy and Draymond is probably, maximum, what? Two years? Maybe three years.

—Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Champion and Analyst

Impact of Star Injuries Highlights Need for Kuminga’s Role

The Warriors’ vulnerability was apparent during last postseason when they lost four straight games to the Minnesota Timberwolves after Curry suffered a hamstring injury. Without Curry, and with Butler and Green sidelined or limited, the team struggled to stay competitive. This exposed the urgency of having emerging talent like Kuminga firmly integrated, yet Golden State appears caught between losing him and not finding valuable trade options to compensate.

Kuminga’s Potential vs. Warriors’ Current Priorities

Perkins emphasized Kuminga’s hard work and steady improvement since being drafted, suggesting that the young forward could become a prolific 20-point-per-game scorer if given the right opportunity. Instead, the Warriors have shown greater confidence in Brandin Podziemski, a sophomore on the roster, a decision that may frustrate Kuminga, who has been with the team longer and has steadily developed.

Ever since you drafted him, you never had to question anything about him. We’ve never heard reports about him [not] working hard. He works as a** off. He’s gotten better every single season,

Perkins said. —Kendrick Perkins, Former NBA Champion and Analyst

Warriors Face Uncertain Future Beyond Curry Era

Kuminga’s desire to leave Golden State and the front office’s limited trade assets place the Warriors at a critical crossroads as they prepare for life after Curry, Butler, and Green. The outcome of this contract dispute could shape whether the Warriors preserve their competitive edge or fall back into the struggles they experienced before Curry’s arrival revitalized the franchise. The team’s next moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.