Over the course of the ongoing season, Jonathan Kuminga established himself as the Warriors’ 2nd highest average lead scorer. From the 33 points he made against the Houston Rockets back in December to being an efficient backup PF to Draymond Green, the youngster finally seemed on course to have a memorable season. Unfortunately, his progress hit a roadblock after sustaining a significant lateral right ankle sprain in early Jan. Even though his re-evaluation was in 3 weeks, a key update has come in early.

According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, JK has ditched his walking boot!

” Had been wearing it the entire road trip. Still in the middle stages of his return from a significant ankle sprain, but he’s advancing,” Slater concluded. This is an important update that indicates things are heading in the right direction in the Bay.

Moreover, popular personality, Dr. Nirav Pandya, commented on this post, saying, “Typically, removal of a walking boot indicates that pain and swelling are being well controlled; allowing for progression to more aggressive range of motion and strengthening exercises. Great sign.”

The idea of Jonathan Kuminga being absent for a significant period was not appreciated by many, amongst them was Steve Kerr. The fact that JK was not set to return for 3 weeks meant he would miss around 11 games. It was something that Kerr considered “Brutal”.

After all, according to the boss, “JK has been playing so well and obviously such a big part of what we are doing. He is our more athletic scorer and finisher and has been playing so well.” Having averaged 16.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists throughout 32 games, the secondary power forward was performing better than he had over the previous 3 seasons.

Even Kevon Looney and Andrew Wiggins had shouted out the player’s performance improvement, with the former indicating that Jonathan Kuminga was performing as someone who was “not just depending on Steph all the time.”

This made his unavailability all the worse for the Warriors squad. Since his recent absence streak, Stephen Curry and Co. have gone 2-4. What was initially a team that had kicked off the season with a 12-3 record now stands at 20-20. Therefore, the sooner the youngster returns, the sooner the Bay’s offense improves. And the sooner it gives them a chance to get out of their current rut.

Jonathan Kuminga’s absence may have been beneficial because it’s shown the Bay Area franchise the player’s value. Therefore, amidst calls for a trade rising, given the team’s current predicament, the backup power forward may be saved from being sent away.

HoopsHype reporter strongly highlights the Warriors’ reluctance to part ways with Jonathan Kuminga

Rumors about a potential Jonathan Kuminga-Warriors exit were running around for over a few months. It all escalated amid reports that the franchise was not providing the player with the $35 million/year deal he sought. Kuminga is currently playing under a 4-year, $24.85 million rookie deal. Franz Wagner and Evan Mobley, two players from his draft class, had received exts. like he was seeking.

Soon, extension talks reached a dead-end between JK and the Bay. From that point, teams like the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers were proposed as the 22-year-old’s potential new home. However, it all seems to have started becoming a thing of the past now.

According to HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto, Jonathan Kuminga “remains a player Golden State is reluctant to part with.”

After all, Scotto highlighted, “Ideally, the Warriors want to give Curry and fellow franchise stalwart Draymond Green another shot at competing for a championship in the latter stages of their careers, but they won’t mortgage future assets just to make a trade.”

This belief is also something Stephen Curry was emphasizing. As he revealed, the 4x Champ did not want them to engage in a ‘desperate’ trade. So, time is limited until the Feb deadline. However, the urge to consider a trade call ‘carefully’ may save Kuminga from being shown the door. For now.It remains to be seen how the Warriors’ frontcourt display will look once Jonathan Kuminga returns. For fans of the legendary franchise, the 22-year-old star may be the last hope darting toward a potential Warriors comeback this season.