“It’s a beautiful locker room. The guys here are happy to be here and play the way we do,” said Stephen Curry with a positive outlook following the recent matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite significant off-season changes, especially the departure of Klay Thompson after a 13-year stint, the Warriors have maintained their performance and currently hold a strong 5-1 record in the regular season. Head Coach Steve Kerr isn’t allowing issues, such as Jonathan Kuminga’s ongoing situation, to disrupt the team’s overall morale.
Earlier today, after a 127-121 victory over the Houston Rockets, Kerr spoke to the media about their early success. When asked if their impressive record is a sign of things to come, he expressed optimism, noting that the team has a “really good vibe this year.” The positive energy seems to be a driving force for Stephen Curry and the rest of the team, with everyone contributing without concerns over playing time.
Kerr highlighted the impact of team attitude, saying, “A lot of times, your attitude and approach create a kind of karma. We’ve got really good karma this year, and I think our execution will improve, but I really like this team.”
However, Kuminga’s contract situation remains unresolved. Drafted in 2021 under a four-year, $24.855 million rookie deal, he was up for an extension worth up to $224 million. But unlike his 2021 draft peers Franz Wagner and Evan Mobley, who secured five-year extensions, Kuminga’s future with the Warriors remains uncertain after the October 21st deadline passed without an agreement. Now, fans might be witnessing his last season with the Warriors.
Despite the contract impasse, Kerr and Kuminga’s relationship on the court appears unaffected. Kerr even assigned Kuminga a key role off the bench in their first game against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he put up 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists over 28 minutes. Kerr explained his decision, stating, “Without Steph and Wiggs, I didn’t want to start Trayce, Draymond, and JK. I wanted more spacing and knew it would be a JK game.” Kerr added, “I told him before the game, ‘You’re gonna play a lot.’”
For now, things are steady, but if Kuminga isn’t offered an extension, the Warriors may look to trade him. This raises the question: where could Kuminga go if he enters free agency?
After averaging 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over three seasons, along with shooting 52.4% from the field and 34.1% from three, Kuminga is likely to attract interest from several teams. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Philadelphia 76ers are open to adding a new piece and may consider Kuminga, possibly in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr. or KJ Martin. The Charlotte Hornets, with a $161.6 million salary cap, also emerge as contenders, as adding another scorer alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges could strengthen their lineup.
The Miami Heat could also be an option. Former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Rashad McCants even advocated for a Kuminga-Heat connection. McCants likened Kuminga’s potential to that of a young Jimmy Butler, saying, “If you’re Pat Riley, wouldn’t you pursue youth?” Arenas, however, added that it’s “hard to tell right now…”
