Jonathan Kuminga finds himself at a pivotal moment with the Golden State Warriors. The 22-year-old forward, now eligible for a contract extension, is seeking not just a lucrative deal but also a significant change in his on-court role—a combination that’s testing the Warriors’ flexibility.
Head coach Steve Kerr recently offered a candid assessment of Kuminga’s development. “I think JK, if you look at his three years here, it would look like the stock market over ten years,” Kerr mused, highlighting the ups and downs of Kuminga’s performance. Despite gradual improvements, the young talent believes it’s time to solidify his position—literally.
Kuminga has been utilized primarily as a power forward, but he sees himself thriving as a small forward. “At the end of the day, I know I’m a small forward and I can play at the highest level,” he told NBC Sports. “But going forward, it’s all about what the team wants you to do to help them win.”
This positional preference is more than a personal whim; it impacts team dynamics. Draymond Green, a cornerstone of the Warriors’ defense, surprisingly aligns with Kuminga’s self-assessment. “I think he’s a three. That’s always been my opinion. That’s not going to change my feeling,” Green stated during training camp. However, this shift would require Green to spend more time at power forward or center—roles he and Kerr are cautious about overextending.
“There’s part of me that’s like, ’82 games with Draymond playing at center?’” Kerr pondered aloud. “There are teams that are playing bigger now. I don’t love the idea of Draymond being the starting five and playing heavy minutes there game after game.”
Complicating matters is Kuminga’s contract situation. With his rookie deal nearing its end, he’s looking for an extension that reflects his potential. Players like Franz Wagner and Evan Mobley from his draft class have secured hefty contracts, but the Warriors are hesitant to offer a similar package. NBA Insider Trevor Lane highlighted the standoff, noting that the Warriors aren’t keen on matching the market rate set by other teams.
The parallels to Klay Thompson’s departure are hard to ignore. Disagreements over role and compensation were central to his exit, prompting fans to feel a sense of déjà vu. As one commentator wryly noted, “My time machine works.”
The Warriors are at a crossroads. Adjusting to Kuminga’s preferred position could unlock his full potential but might unsettle established team roles. Not offering a satisfactory contract could risk losing a promising young player. Joe Lacob and the front office have until October 21 to strike a balance that secures Kuminga’s future with the team.
