Jonathan Kuminga’s place in the future of the Golden State Warriors remains an evolving question, but one thing has become increasingly evident — the franchise isn’t ready to give up on him. Despite rumors, trade speculation, and shifting roster priorities, the Warriors’ approach to Kuminga has been defined more by patience than urgency. That patience is not rooted in denial or confusion but in a deep recognition of his potential, athleticism, and what he provided during key stretches, especially when the team was forced to navigate turbulent waters without their superstar, Stephen Curry.
Golden State’s roster is in a transitional phase. Gone are the days when the dynasty trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green could single-handedly carry the load. The front office has acknowledged this reality in its recent moves — some bold, some cautionary. They’ve experimented with youth, tried to balance veteran savvy with explosive talent, and explored trades that signal both short-term ambition and long-term sustainability. But through it all, Kuminga has remained one of the more enigmatic and polarizing figures on the roster. One game, he looks like a future All-Star, dominating with power, speed, and a confident mid-range shot. The next game, he fades into the background, uncertain and error-prone. Still, those glimpses of greatness have been enough to keep Golden State intrigued.
When Stephen Curry went down during the playoffs, the Warriors were expected to collapse under the weight of his absence. But Kuminga didn’t just step up; he embraced the spotlight. His minutes increased, and so did his impact. His ability to drive into the lane, defend multiple positions, and rebound in traffic allowed Golden State to maintain competitiveness in a brutal Western Conference battle. Though they didn’t ultimately survive the gauntlet, Kuminga’s playoff performances offered a rare glimpse into what a future might look like without Curry dominating the ball. That’s not a knock on Steph — his brilliance remains unmatched — but rather an acknowledgment that the Warriors have to start preparing for a time when they can’t always lean on their two-time MVP.
Kuminga’s athleticism remains the biggest reason the front office is being deliberate. In a league increasingly dictated by speed, length, and switchable defense, players like Kuminga are essential. He can guard positions 2 through 5, has shown flashes of improvement as a help defender, and is no longer just a freak athlete with raw potential — he’s beginning to show a developing feel for the game. Head coach Steve Kerr has had to strike a difficult balance with him: maximizing his minutes without compromising the rhythm of the offense. That hasn’t always been easy. Kuminga is not the best floor spacer yet, and his passing can be inconsistent. But those are teachable skills, not permanent flaws.
One of the most compelling reasons the Warriors are holding on is that Kuminga represents a rare developmental success for a franchise that, for years, mortgaged its youth for veteran excellence. The Warriors have had several lottery picks since their championship run began in 2015, but not all panned out. James Wiseman was traded. Moses Moody has been a work in progress. Patrick Baldwin Jr. was dealt. But Kuminga has done what few young players in this organization have done — earned meaningful playoff minutes. That alone speaks volumes.
Internally, there’s also recognition that Kuminga’s growth has not always been linear because his role hasn’t been consistent. In his first two seasons, he was yo-yoed in and out of the rotation, sometimes playing 25 minutes, sometimes sitting entire games. That kind of usage isn’t ideal for a young player trying to find rhythm, confidence, and trust from the coaching staff. In fairness, the Warriors were in a win-now mode, and developing youth was never the top priority. But things are different now. With Thompson’s departure, questions about Draymond’s future, and Curry entering the twilight of his career, there’s a growing consensus that if Kuminga is going to blossom, it has to be in a system that finally prioritizes his development.
Even so, the Warriors are not naïve. They’ve listened to offers. They’ve taken calls. In an era where trade talk never really ends, Kuminga’s name has been floated in connection with multiple teams. That’s not surprising — his value across the league is real. Teams see his athletic upside, his youth, and his affordable contract as assets worth acquiring. But Golden State hasn’t pulled the trigger, not even when deals were reportedly close. That restraint isn’t due to stubbornness but to the calculated belief that the best version of Kuminga may still be untapped, and that when he gets there, he could be a cornerstone, not just a role player.
