The Golden State Warriors wanted Giannis Antetokounmpo. They wanted Jimmy Butler. They have a collection of targets in their mind to replace Klay Thompson, who left for the Dallas Mavericks. So it’s natural if one star comes, a couple of players will leave the franchise. One such player on the list was Jonathan Kuminga.

With the players earning high salaries, cap space becomes challenging to negotiate. The franchises make a deal that balances the cap space and Kuminga was on the Warriors’ list to leave the team. When you think from the player’s perspective, you absolutely wonder what it does to his confidence. But like a top professional, the Golden State Warriors power forward just goes about his business.

He appeared in a post-match press conference to discuss his thoughts, regarding all the rumors. “I mean, I feel like I have been doing, have been consistent just going out there and be the guy they want me to be. Being a scorer, being a playmaker, being a defender, and trying to rebound more. And just being consistent on defense. So I feel like it’s been a great role,” expressed Kuminga.

He’s right. The two-way player continues to impress the front office!

Getting Giannis became a priority for the Warriors. They have a 12-6 record in the league and despite a three-game losing streak, much of it goes to Stephen Curry’s unavailability. Don’t forget, the Warriors have some young talents in Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. Given the time and patience, they could develop into world-beaters. According to Steve Kerr, Podziemski is currently being hindered by a lack of confidence, while Kuminga is fearlessly giving it his all.

He continued, “I’m happy with it. I haven’t complained or anything like. They don’t matter how the game is going, you know. That’s what they want me to do and I feel, I feel very comfortable doing it. So, it doesn’t really matter.”

“He still has some things to prove,” Steve Kerr had said before the season. So questions started flowing in. Does Jonathan Kuminga start? With the fourth-year forward unable to bring consistency in his shooting, he was sent back to the bench. Now, he has become an integral part of the second unit that is the most productive in the NBA.

“ like the role for him because he gives us something that we need you know. That force, the ability to get to the rim, ability to get fouls. He’s had a great run here coming off the bench and so I anticipate that would continue. But you know you’re always one injury away from everything changing potentially so you just take it game by game. But I love for JK is doing for us, his attitude, his approach has been fantastic,” Steve Kerr had said.

Indeed, the Warriors look great when Kuminga comes from the bench. He fiercely attacks the rim and can keep defenses unsettled. He can also draw more fouls for the Warriors, adding discomfort to the opposition. He is 9th best bench scorer in the league, producing 15.3 points per game. His three-point shooting also sees a tremendous uptick, shooting 36.8% on nearly the same number of attempts.

However, is Jonathan Kuminga comfortable in a condensed role knowing that he could sign a five-year $220 million extension with opportunities to produce greater output? Personally, Steve Kerr prefers to have the 22-year-old be a spark off the bench, and it seems they don’t disagree on that anymore.

Jonathan Kuminga could become a key asset for the Warriors franchise

Well, if the player is content to stay, the front office must think of any possibilities to keep him on the team. If you look at his player profile, he might be the ideal fit for the Warriors.

Physically, he remains dominant, as he is 6’7″ and weighs 225 pounds. It helps him get vital rebounds and put in the effort for the game’s defensive side. Sometimes, he explodes to the rim with a fierce dunk or makes a flashy pass. You can expect the unexpected from Jonathan Kuminga.

Moreover, his off-the-ball handling skills improve each passing game and shoots knock-down jumpers. But the money lies inside the paint for Kuminga. He is an EF-5 tornado near the rim, averaging almost 18 points in the paint per 100 possessions. All in all, the Warriors must think ahead.

With the player just 22, the time is on his side to develop into a classy forward. Moreover, his contract expires next season. So, the Warriors can either convince him to sign an extension. Otherwise, they can get some star player to fit Steve Kerr’s flexible system next season after freeing up some cap space. What do you think the Warriors franchise should do?