The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads with their 22-year-old star, who could leave this summer.
Making the Jimmy Butler trade essentially saved the Golden State Warriors from an embarrassing end to the 2024-25 NBA season.
In 30 regular-season games with Butler, the Warriors attained a sensational 23-7 record. However, with Butler’s arrival, head coach Steve Kerr looked away from 22-year-old star Jonathan Kuminga.
During the final stretch of the season, Kuminga found himself in and out of the rotation. Now, Kuminga has a choice to make – leave or stay with the Warriors.
Photo by David Berding/Getty ImagesUdonis Haslem wants Jonathan Kuminga to leave, says he can’t become his ‘best version’
Kuminga has already played four seasons in the league, and he has already won an NBA Championship. Ideally, the 22-year-old should be receiving major minutes in his fifth season with the Warriors.
Unfortunately, Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem believes Kuminga can’t become the ‘best version’ of himself as long as he stays in the Bay Area.
“He wants to be his best version. And I don’t think that’s gonna happen in Golden State. And it’s nothing against Golden State. There’s nothing against Kuminga.
“It’s just not a good fit, and especially when you bring in a guy like Jimmy Butler. Jimmy Butler is a damn good basketball player. He needs the ball in his hands,” Haslem said, via NBA Today on ESPN.
Haslem also pointed out what gives Butler the edge over Kuminga.
“He’s gonna make other guys better. He’s gonna defend,” Haslem stated. “On the other end, his basketball IQ is out of the room, and I think that’s where he gets the edge with Kuminga, where you put him in the game, and you put him with Steph, you put him with those other guys, and you don’t miss a beat.”
Udonis Haslem doesn’t ‘blame’ Jonathan Kuminga for wanting a bigger role
Kuminga has already revealed his career goals as he enters the offseason as a restricted free agent. This gives the Warriors a chance to match any offers he receives.
But ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne believes dragging out the Kuminga situation could ruin the Warriors’ offseason. Keeping that in mind, what Haslem mentioned next makes perfect sense.
“Jonathan Kuminga should look for a situation or opportunity to be his best version. It’s his time, and he should not feel bad about that at all,” the Heat legend continued.
He concluded by stating: “This is a guy who’s 15 points per game, 45 percent from the field, he’s a damn good basketball player it’s his time in shine, he wants this opportunity, and I don’t blame him.”
Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 50.7% from the field and 33.2% from deep over four years with the Warriors.