“Just because you don’t get an extension done doesn’t mean they’re not going to be here for a long time,” Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. made it very clear before the team reunited for training camp. However, Jonathan Kuminga was still hopeful that the franchise would reconsider giving him a big paycheck before Monday’s extension deadline. The day came, but things didn’t work out as per his expectations. Done and dusted with the whole fiasco, the 22-year-old spoke about shifting his focus to the bigger goal.

After securing the season-opening 139-104 victory against the Blazers, Jonathan Kuminga was surrounded by the media in the locker room, who were keen to know about his extension failure. The combo forward, mentally prepared for the question, responded, “I’m not really concerned about it.”

Instead, the hooper told The Athletic that his only focus is to perform well. “I’m just concerned about coming out here and performing every other day. I ain’t really thinking about that,” JK stated. “The time came and nothing happened. So I’m not very concerned about it much anymore.”

Pouring out his emotions, Jonathan Kuminga expressed that he was going through a lot that most people have not witnessed, so “not too many things” could break him. Now that the extension is not a concern, the hooper wants to be an integral part of Steve Kerr’s 12-man rotation, which could eventually help him get a better deal in the future.

Talking about his game plan during the postgame press conference, Kerr said, “I’ve never played 12 before. But we’re going to do it. It’s not easy on anybody, but we just have to trust from one night to the next we’ll find the combination that works.”

The mastermind believes that not everyone can excel at all games. So he has to make the players play in different combinations to see what works best for the team. The arrangements would change depending on the opponents they will face.

Steve Kerr also touched on the subject of Jonathan Kuminga’s contract and showed his eagerness to keep his trusted man in the Bay Area. The Warriors HC also mentioned his special plan, but he couldn’t “justify” dropping any player, including JK.

Steve Kerr reveals the Warriors’ plan regarding Jonathan Kuminga

Earlier on 95.7 The Game, the head coach shared the Warriors’ plan regarding the now-restricted free agent, Jonathan Kuminga, to stay with the Warriors and have an outstanding season which will help him score a lucrative contract next summer. With the same level of confidence, Kerr included him in the starting roster. JK had a 20-minute appearance on Wednesday night during which he managed to contribute 10 points along with 4 rebounds and an assist.

Steve Kerr feels that his chemistry with Andrew Wiggins could work wonders, so he wishes to play them together. Draymond Green will also join them in the starting lineup, but not as a center, otherwise the spacing issues could turn out to be a major factor.

“I’m looking to see if that group can set a tone defensively,” Kerr stated. “It’s gonna require us to execute offensively, play downhill, play fast.” However, his plans could fall apart when GSW faces bigger teams, as Kuminga doesn’t seem to complement Stephen Curry yet. So now the ball is firmly in Kuminga’s court. Will he sink the 3 for his contract or brick it? Leave your thoughts in the comments.