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Steve Kerr Questions Jonathan Kuminga's Fit on Warriors' Championship Roster

The Warriors coach emphasized Kuminga's need to embrace a complementary role as the forward enters restricted free agency with an uncertain future in Golden State.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 08: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy)
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 10, 2025, in San Francisco.
Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski confer in 4th quarter of Minnesota Timberwolves’ 121-110 win in NBA Western Conference Semifinals’ Game 5 at Target Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Overview

  • Steve Kerr stated Jonathan Kuminga is not yet a star-caliber player and struggles to fit into the Warriors' win-oriented roster built around Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
  • Kerr highlighted the need for Kuminga to develop into a high-energy, complementary player, citing comparisons to Shawn Marion and Aaron Gordon as ideal models for his evolution.
  • Kuminga enters the offseason as a restricted free agent, leaving his long-term future with the Warriors uncertain due to financial and roster constraints.
  • Despite limited regular-season minutes, Kuminga showed flashes of potential during the playoffs, averaging 20.8 points per game in the series against Minnesota.
  • Kerr’s comments suggest organizational frustration over Kuminga’s development, raising questions about whether the Warriors will invest in retaining him or explore other options.