“It’s a beautiful locker room. The guys that are (here are) happy to be here, happy to play the way that we do.” Stephen Curry had nothing but positive vibes to imbue in the aftermath of the Portland Trail Blazers matchup almost two weeks ago. Despite having gone through some major changes during the off-season—most notably Klay Thompson’s exit after a 13-year run—the current roster did not let the same hinder their performance. With the Warriors currently holding on to a 5-1 win record during the ongoing regular season, Steve Kerr is not letting anything, not even Jonathan Kuminga’s persisting issue, affect the franchise’s overall vibe.

Earlier today, in the aftermath of the 127-121 win against the Houston Rockets, the Warriors head coach engaged in a Q&A session. During the same, when asked if pulling off such a win record in the early stages is a good sign for the rest of the tournament, Kerr replied in the affirmative. After all, he believed that the current roster has a “really good vibe this year.”

From everybody pulling together to give maximum output to having zero complaints about playing time, the general attitude of Stephen Curry & Co. seems to be wholly positive.

This, in turn, may be the primary reason behind the success. “I think a lot of times, your attitude, your approach, there’s a Karma to that,” said the 59-year-old. “And frankly we’ve got really good karma this year, and I think uh we’ll improve with our execution, but I really like this team,” Kerr said.

Kerr’s remarks come just as the situation with Jonathan Kuminga does not seem to be approaching its desired end. Warriors took the player back in 2021 under a 4-year, $24.855 million rookie contract. After 3 years, the power forward/center was up for an extension deal. The same would have paid him a maximum amount of $224 million over an extended time period. Orlando Magic small forward Franz Wagner, and Cleveland Cavaliers power forward/center Evan Mobley, both of whom were also in the 2021 Draft Class, have already received five-year extensions on their contracts.

With the issue persisting since September, the Warriors weren’t willing to budge on an extension offer. A final decision didn’t come to light after crossing the October 21 deadline either. In light of this, there is a very good chance now that fans may be seeing Kuminga’s last days with the Bay Area squad.

Despite the extension matter, any tensions between Jonathan Kuminga and Steve Kerr do not seem to be spilling out during the games. In fact, the head coach even gave the 22-year-old an off-the-bench role during the first matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. During the same, Kuminga made 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 28 minutes. Discussing his performance, Kerr revealed “Without Steph (Curry) and Wiggs (Wiggins), I didn’t wanna start Trayce (Jackson-Davis), Draymond (Green) and JK (Jonathan Kuminga). I wanted a little more spacing, and I knew it would be a JK game. I knew he would play a lot because he has played well against this team, the matchups are good for him.” Kerr concluded his remarks by stating, “I told him before the game, ‘You’re gonna play a lot.’”

For now, things are on a mellow road for the Warriors. However, sooner or later, the peace could shatter when Jonathan Kuminga could be sent on his way. However, if you ask Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr, things are not over until they are over…“Just because you don’t get an extension done doesn’t mean they’re not going to be here for a long time…”We want those guys here,” he had said ahead of the training camp.

Kuminga, on the other hand, couldn’t care less. Days after the extension deadline, following Golden State’s 139-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in the season opener, the player stated, “I’m not really concerned about it…I’m just concerned about coming out here and performing every other day. I ain’t really thinking about that…The time came, and nothing happened. So I’m not very concerned about it much anymore. I can just be me and not think about it. I’ve been through so much. A lot of people don’t know me, don’t know what I’ve been through. There’s not too many things that can break me,” he told the Athletic.

In the off chance that an extension deal possibly might not come his way, the question that remains to be answered is: What’s next?

Where can Jonathan Kuminga head next if he opts for free agency?

Jonathan Kuminga had managed to average 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists throughout his first three seasons. His shooting percentage of 52.4% field goals and 34.1% three-pointers certainly makes him a desirable prospect. Therefore, the player might end up going into free agency with several suitors lining up to include him in their roster.

According to Bleacher Report journalist Jake Fischer, the Philadelphia 76ers are certainly one franchise that is “willing to pay and add in another piece right now.” Furthermore, rumors have already linked the franchise to possibly making a play for Kuminga, considering a possible trade option through Kelly Oubre Jr. and KJ Martin. Other than that, we should also not dismiss the Charlotte Hornets as contenders.

With a $161.6 million salary cap, the franchise is not in as bad of a situation as the other franchises when it comes to staying below the luxury tax and apron limits. Therefore, if there was ever a time to include another scorer alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges, it is now!

While nothing has linked Kuminga with them, the Miami Heat is now being urged to also take a shot at the star. Both former NBA stars Gilbert Arenas and Rashad McCants endorsed a team-up between the player and the franchise, with the latter stating “If you’re Pat Riley you’re going after youth? Is he not a young Jimmy Butler, Kuminga?” In turn, Areans added, “Well, that’s hard to tell right now…” Arenas responded. “Probably a little bit more than Jimmy… I want to get rid of Jimmy, though,” said McCants on Gil’s Arena. “I want to get rid of Jimmy.”

Which team would you like to see Jonathan Kuminga head to? Do you think the Warriors can still look to keep the player on? Let us know in the comments down below.