“Brutal” is what Steve Kerr had said when highlighting his upset reaction to Jonathan Kuminga being sidelined. Through the ongoing NBA season, the Warriors’ power forward had managed a solid run, despite the team holding a .500 win percentage. He became the Bay’s 2nd highest average scorer, creating memorable nights like the 33 points against the Rockets in December. But his progress hit a roadblock after he sustained a significant lateral right ankle sprain in early Jan… Even though an update was received on his condition just a few days ago, the hoopster’s recovery progress has still not been quick enough.

Steve Kerr was asked about Jonathan Kuminga’s health on a recent segment of the Willard & Dibs podcast. He bluntly answered, “He’s progressing, but it was a pretty bad ankle sprain, and he hasn’t been on the court yet or anything. But he’s getting rehab every day, and he’s doing strength stuff and he’s on the bike. So, he’s doing as well as possible, but he’s nowhere close to being ready”.

This means that JK will miss the upcoming matchup against the Kings. Heck, he might be absent for the remaining matchups of the month too! The following update comes in days after The Athletic’s Anthony Slater revealed that Jonathan Kuminga had ditched his walking boot.

This was a significant update since, as Slater had highlighted, Kuminga “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”.

Renowned physician Dr. Nirav Pandya, who had earlier shared his diagnosis of Stephen Curry’s injuries on X, wrote, “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.” Despite this, Jonathan Kuminga has yet to even have a proper training session post-injury. Therefore, one can expect the hoopster to be away for quite a while.

JK’s continued absence only makes the situation worse for the Warriors. At a time when the team needed to be at full strength, they had 3 key players absent. Draymond Green is set to be absent for an extended period after sustaining a mild left calf strain. Brandin Podziemski’s abdomen ailment has him listed as ‘OUT’ on the injury report. Kyle Anderson has already missed the 3 most recent games and may miss a 4thamidst his hip ailment.

The Warriors won 5 of their last 10 matchups against the Kings, losing the 4 most recent ones. Therefore, Steve Kerr will have to go into the upcoming game with a clear thought process on how to cover for JK and the rest of the absentees. One can hope that Kuminga recovers soon to play the upcoming games at Chase Center. After all, with the way things are going, these may very well be his last days with the Warriors.

Despite earlier ‘reluctant’ stance by the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga may be traded to the Brooklyn Nets

With the Feb trade deadline approaching fast, Jonathan Kuminga was initially considered safe. The same was clarified by HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto, who revealed that the power forward “remains a player Golden State is reluctant to part with.” Well, Scotto may be scratching his head now, as new rumors have now come in since his initial report was published, less than a week ago!

According to Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar, Kuminga could end up being traded for Cam Johnson over the next few weeks, or days. The Nets‘ small forward/power forward has generated significant trade interest. The Lakers, Kings, and Pacers have looked into bringing in the player. Bitar believes that both teams could benefit from the trade.

After all, “The Brooklyn Nets are trying to build a foundation but lack the athleticism and versatility that Jonathan Kuminga brings.” The former lottery pick has averaged 16.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season.

Therefore, his stats make the case. As for the Golden State Warriors, the franchise “lands a sharpshooter in Cameron Johnson, who is hitting 40.3% of his threes this year, and Sharpe, a young big with untapped potential.”

NY Post’s Brian Lewis earlier reported that the Nets seek two first-round picks, “or equivalent” for Cam Johnson. And Jonathan Kuminga may fit that “equivalent” criteria. Therefore, the upcoming days could witness some big changes occurring in the hoops world. Whether it’s Kuminga’s return or his potential trade remains to be seen.