Jonathan Kuminga could start next season with the Golden State Warriors despite ongoing trade speculation.
The young forward remains under contract even after rejecting their two-year $45 million extension offer.
Sacramento and Phoenix showed interest, but the Warriors weren’t satisfied with preliminary offers from either organization.
Warriors expert Dalton Johnson recently revealed head coach Steve Kerr’s plans if Kuminga remains on the roster.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty ImagesStarting lineup experiment that includes Kuminga could sideline Green
Steve Kerr wants to use Jonathan Kuminga as a key piece alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green in the starting lineup. However, this plan creates problems for Green’s role within the rotation.
Johnson explained Kerr’s vision for incorporating Kuminga into the starting five, though previous attempts haven’t succeeded. The coach plans to experiment with the four-man core early in the season.
“Steve Kerr said to us at the end of this past season that Jonathan is back, that at the beginning of the season, he will use that four man combination of Steph, JK, Jimmy and Draymond, just at the start of the season, at least, he’s gonna have to experiment a bit and see what it looks like,” Johnson reported.
The positional conflicts create significant challenges for Kerr’s rotations. Neither Kuminga nor Butler can play guard positions, while Green loses his alternative starting center role if they sign Al Horford.
“Well, we know that it didn’t look great. Obviously, it was crazy. It just didn’t work. If you bring in a stretch five like Horford, that could help, but Jimmy’s not a two. JK, is not a two. Okay, do you put Draymond to the bench and start an Iguodala role for him?” Johnson added.
Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty ImagesGreen faces potential demotion to sixth man
If the Golden State Warriors sign Horford and commit to starting both Kuminga and Butler, Green could move to the bench in an Andre Iguodala-type role.
Guard positions would likely go to players like Buddy Hield or Brandin Podziemski, leaving Green without a natural starting spot. The positional logjam creates complications for everyone involved.
“Roster construction wise, if you’re gonna try this and you’re gonna try to make JK happy, especially at the beginning of the year, that might have to be the only avenue,” Johnson explained.
Kerr’s willingness to experiment with Kuminga in a featured role could appease the disgruntled forward while potentially sacrificing Green’s traditional position.
Strategy carries significant risks
Giving Kuminga expanded starting minutes creates dangerous precedent if he still refuses to sign long-term. Increased playing time could boost his market value beyond what the Warriors can afford to match.
The plan could backfire if Kuminga uses the opportunity to showcase his abilities for other teams while maintaining his desire to leave Golden State.
Warriors risk losing Kuminga for nothing if other teams offer contracts they cannot or will not match. The gamble involves significant potential downside with uncertain returns.