Steve Kerr Sounds Off on Potential Jonathan Kuminga Trade Request

According to speculations that emerged as soon as the Golden State Warriors were bounced from the playoffs, Jonathan Kuminga may try to force his way out this summer owing to a lack of opportunities.

During a recent radio interview with “Willard & Dibbs” on 95.7 The Game, head coach Steve Kerr—the person in charge of Kuminga’s playing time—discussed the reports.

“I think he’s frustrated that he didn’t play, but I would hope anybody in his situation would be frustrated,” Kerr said to the hosts on Tuesday. “We had a wonderful talk with Bob Myers, and we are enthusiastic about JK’s return the following year. He seems thrilled to be returning, in my opinion.

This year, Kuminga played for the Warriors in 67 regular-season games, seeing action for an average of 20.8 minutes per game. The 20-year-old shot 51.9% from the field and 37.0% from beyond the arc, averaging 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

Jonathan Kuminga desires a larger role with the Warriors or a trade

The article by Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic from last Friday served as the impetus for Kerr’s radio discussion of the former No. 7 overall choice.

The story states that Kuminga’s agents “expect to discuss his future this offseason.”

According to league sources, Kuminga’s future will be discussed by the Warriors and Kuminga’s representatives this offseason, Slater and Charania reported. Kuminga’s future employment status with Golden State must be decided, and if not, league insiders claim the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft will seek a position where he can contribute more.

The reason behind Kuminga’s annoyances is perhaps his wildly erratic playing time during the playoffs. He played a part during the regular season, but in the series against the Los Angeles Lakers, he was limited to just 26 total minutes.

Also: Stephen Curry reacts to Lakers ending Warriors’ season

Slater and Charania provided more information regarding how the rookie wing escaped Kerr’s rotation.

Kuminga had a promising second season, developing into the kind of defender and wing slasher who can carve out a long NBA career. While Andrew Wiggins was away from the team for a few months, he was fantastic in the final stretch of the regular season, assisting the Warriors in making the playoffs. A young player wanting to launch his career and a head administration that doesn’t see him as a failed draft pick were both frustrated when Wiggins returned, Gary Payton II entered the lineup, and Kuminga was removed from the postseason rotation. With Green and Kevon Looney, two non-shooters, it has been challenging for him to fit into lineup combinations, and a frontcourt shooting stalemate is anticipated.

Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors might potentially join the Hornets

Kuminga’s tenure in the Bay may be over if his club is unable to meet the Warriors at a neutral location.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report selected a “dream trade target” for every team, with Kuminga being the Charlotte Hornets’ top pick. This was pure conjecture.

The Hornets need foundational pieces, but they also want keepers who won’t set them back an arm, a leg, or their entire body. There is a non-zero possibility that Jonathan Kuminga, the seventh overall choice in 2021, will meet this requirement. The Golden State Warriors wouldn’t let him leave for dirt cheap, but after seeing him struggle to make the playoff rotation, they might be open to a deal. If the Hornets can acquire Kuminga for less than market value, they ought to do it. The 20-year-old is physically gifted at the highest level and has displayed exceptional flashes on both ends of the court. Charlotte could provide him with all the floor time he needs to get toward his goals because he needs an environment where there are more developmental minutes available than there are at Golden State.


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