Jonathan Kuminga might be having a new jersey to play in for the upcoming season. For a long time now, Kuminga has been a topic of debate in the Golden State Warriors’ lineup. Despite showing signs of progress, Steve Kerr has been reluctant to give Kuminga a consistent role in the starting lineup. And after the departure of the Warriors from the conference semifinals, the criticisms have taken more pace. However, in a recent interaction, Kerr addressed the situation. And it is not a pleasant one for the Warriors’ fans.
In a sit-down interview on May 21, 2025, Steve Kerr reflected on the Jonathan Kuminga matter. Speaking on ‘The TK Show’ podcast, Kerr heaped praises on Kuminga. Addressing him as a ‘gifted’ athlete, Kerr opined that Kuminga is looking for a bigger role going forward. Unfortunately, that does not seem to align with Kerr’s visions. The Warriors’ head coach made it clear that does not see Kuminga as someone who he would play for 38 minutes.
“It’s a tricky one because Jonathan obviously is gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more. And for me, l’ve been asked to win. And right now, he’s not a guy who l 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,” said Kerr.
Steve Kerr says Jonathan Kuminga is not the type of player he would play heavy minutes at the moment if he wants to win games
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 22, 2025
“It’s a tricky one because Jonathan obviously is gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more. And for me, I’ve been asked to win. And… pic.twitter.com/SDTF0TZwlv
Surely, such a situation has sparked rumors about Kuminga possibly opting to be traded out. While nothing has been confirmed as of now, critics have opined that a change in franchise might sit well with the long-term vision of Kuminga playing a bigger role in the team. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga’s maturity levels earned him significant praise from Draymond Green.
Draymond Green Praises The Maturity Of Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga has been one of the Warriors’ most impressive talents this season. However, despite his efforts, coach Steve Kerr decided to bench him in the later part of the tournament. Instead of being agitated or upset, Kuminga patiently waited for his opportunity to make a mark and contribute to the team. Such levels of maturity did not go unnoticed by fellow teammate Draymond Green.
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“I love the way he handled it. That was such a responsible, great, well-thought answer. He will get paid here, or he will get paid somewhere else,” Green said.
Thus, with speculations galore, it remains to be seen how things pan out for Jonathan Kuminga in the future.
Also Read: Warriors HC Steve Kerr Drops Major Hint On Playing Jonathan Kuminga Ahead Of Must-Win Game 7
