Who are the Golden State Warriors of April 2025? Certainly not the same team we saw stumbling through December 2024. Something shifted—something big. Sure, fans call it the Jimmy Butler Effect, and they’re not wrong. But there’s more to it. The young guns—Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and Quintin Post—have stepped up to take the team to a 46- 32 record. They’ve brought edge, urgency, and fire. Suddenly, roles are changing, games are tighter, and wins are sweeter. This rise did not happen by luck. The teamwork came at the perfect time, which makes them sit well in the West today. And Draymond Green couldn’t agree more.

This new energy in the Warriors’ squad means moving a step closer to that fifth ring that Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have been dreaming of. That one final dance before hanging their boots together. However, as distant as this conversation seems right now, it’s important to understand the impact of these young players’ games on the senior players. Thus, speaking on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, the 35-year-old big man freely expressed his mind, especially about JK.

Draymond Green speaks about the shift in Jonathan Kuminga’s recent gameplays

Baron Davis is loving the youth movement in the Golden State. His top picks—Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody—are making noise. But it’s JK and Podz who’ve grabbed his attention. They’ve been fearless, especially on defense, diving for deflections and laughing through blocks. That kind of hustle, as Davis says, breathes life into their offense. And now, everything’s falling into place.

And, well, Draymond Green had to chip in. He said: “Absolutely. The way, the effort they’ve been giving on the defensive end — their offense is a direct influence of that. It’s kind of how the game works.” Their work on the defensive end has been rewarding for the team. Even Moody is stepping up and challenging the best guards of the rival teams. However, it is Jonathan Kuminga who has shifted the air around him.

Green proudly stated, “JK has been all over the floor defensively. He rebounding. And he’s getting up the court and getting downhill. It’s good to see him taking that challenge. Because when you take that challenge as the playoffs start — and he’s taking that challenge — we know what he brings on the offensive end. That’s how you earn your minutes. I’m watching him go take it. And I’m watching him go take it really for the first time in his career.”

Draymond Green sees it—Jonathan Kuminga is finally owning the grind. He’s locking in on defense, flying up the floor, and chasing every chance. And for the first time, it feels like he’s not just showing up. He’s taking it. Thus, Green added: “He’s like, ‘I don’t care about nothing else. This what I’m going to do, and I’m going to make it so you can’t take me off the floor.’ And you earn so much respect doing that. You know, because that was my path, you know what I’m saying? Like, I had to take that path to become who I’ve become. And so to watch him finally turning that corner and be like, ‘Oh no, I’m just going to go do this and create my situation,’ you earn respect like that.”

Most importantly, Draymond Green sees himself in JK. The kid’s locked in and refusing to be overlooked. And just like Draymond once did, Kuminga is earning respect the hard way—by showing up and taking what’s his. And in this process, Kuminga is earning the respect of not just the players but also the coach, which is important to keep him going on the team.

Moreover, Kuminga’s shift in the game might be saving him from being traded away. Thus handing him chances to prove his mettle amidst the woes and criticisms he has faced since his return to the court after the ankle sprain.

Trade rumors on halt as Jonathan Kuminga changes gears

Jonathan Kuminga may not be logging big minutes right now, but his impact still echoes. The coaches are playing it smart, easing him in while chasing wins. After all, it’s not about proving a point—it’s about playing the long game. However, trade rumors have never left the 22-year-old forward’s side. And here’s a new one!

The Warriors face a tricky summer with Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency looming. Once a top-five pick with sky-high potential, Kuminga has shown glimpses of greatness. But something still feels off in Golden State’s system—especially after Jimmy Butler’s arrival. Now, with payday approaching, Kuminga wants more than minutes. He wants to be valued like the star he believes he is.

However, if the Warriors dare to move a gem like Jonathan Kuminga, it better be for a win-now move that fuels the Curry and Jimmy Butler fire. The team’s cooking and any trade have to keep that flame alive. And if whispers are true, the Indiana Pacers might just be the right call. Well, these are just rumors for now, and we have to wait for the offseason to see what truly happens.

For now, Jonathan Kuminga stays right where he belongs—in the heart of a surging Warriors squad. Even Draymond Green sees it, calling out the fire in JK’s game with pride. The trade buzz can wait because Kuminga is finally writing his own story. And just maybe, it’s the one that ends with a ring.