Days have passed, but the shock factor left by Klay Thompson’s exit continues to affect many. The fact that the player will no longer be a part of their franchise is slowly sinking in. From Steph Curry to Draymond Green to Steve Kerr, no one shied away from mentioning the impact that China Klay had in the Bay Area for over a decade. Counted on to build GSW’s next dynasty, Jonathan Kuminga is no happier than any of his other counterparts, as he admits to understanding the veteran’s decision.

In the aftermath of the recent Summer League game, Kuminga engaged in a Q&A session. When asked about his thoughts on Thompson heading to the Mavs, the 21-year-old highlighted that the vet was a memorable presence during his rookie year. “Klay is somebody who took me under his wing when I first got drafted,” said Kuminga. “He was one of the role model when I was out there.”

“Always told me how to lead, function, and things like that.” Losing a teammate hurts, but when it’s a mentor leaving, it’s a different feeling altogether. However, given how the situation would have shaped out if he stayed within the Bay Area, Kuminga couldn’t complain. “Every decision he make, he make for his own good, and for his future,” said the young Power Forward.

“So, obviously, I still talk to him, ask him questions about things work and stuff like that. It is what it is, you know.” While the sharpshooter’s exit came as a surprise for many, it was no secret for the people closest to him that he was losing some of his love for the Warriors.

According to his Houston Rockets rival CJ McCollum, tensions may have risen between the player and the franchise after head coach Steve Kerr started putting more significance on rookie Brandin Podziemski over him.

The feeling that Klay wasn’t being given his due respect within the walls of the franchise was further fuelled after neither party could agree on a monetary value for the player’s contract extension. Despite the fact that they had given a 4-year extension to Dray back in June 2023, they were only willing a 2-year deal to the Splash Brother.

Thompson has always held Jonathan Kuminga in high regard. During the recent regular season, the vet sang praises, “Jonathan has been incredible for us. He might be the best athlete in the NBA, just his ability to rise up. And his combination of speed, so, he is the future of the franchise, and we need him to go where we want to go this season.”

Unfortunately, if the Warriors’ reported plan pans out, then Klay Thompson’s prediction will end up faltering.

After Klay Thompson’s exit, will Jonathan Kuminga be traded away?

For quite some time, Jonathan Kuminga has been rumored to be on the chopping block for a possible trade. GSW didn’t act on the same before, a move that would have allowed them to bring in Paul George. As per Ramona Shelburne on July 3, the franchise may have been reluctant to part ways with the young star since he is “so important to their own future.”

However, if head coach Steve Kerr’s recent remarks proved anything, it is that no one (except for Steph Curry) is safe! “Steph Curry is not being discussed in trade talks. Everybody else is,” said Kerr. “And if you went down the list of teams, the Lakers probably are not talking to anybody about LeBron [James]. Everybody’s got maybe one or two guys who are off the table.”

Kuminga himself may be inclined towards a trade. According to Shams Charania, the player had made his frustrations known about not receiving enough playing time earlier this year. This even caused him to believe that he does not think Kerr “will allow him to reach his full potential.” While the youngster would later clarify his remarks, the fact that GSW is struggling to decide his role in the main lineup may bring back old issues.Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.