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Steve Kerr Starts Jonathan Kuminga in Warriors Opener as Al Horford Comes Off Bench

The decision underscores Kerr’s early trust in a player whose new team‑option contract preserves Golden State’s trade flexibility.

Overview

  • Reports from Chris Haynes and Brett Siegel list the Warriors’ starters vs. the Lakers as Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green at center.
  • Al Horford opens the season in a reserve role with a managed workload, and NBC Sports Bay Area has reported he will not play back‑to‑backs.
  • Kuminga re‑signed this offseason on a two‑year contract that includes a team option, resolving a prolonged negotiation that dominated the summer.
  • Owner Joe Lacob said he was annoyed by the lengthy talks but emphasized the team is evaluating trade options across the league as it pursues a win‑now path.
  • Kuminga becomes trade‑eligible on Jan. 15, and outside analysts have floated scenarios from a pursuit of Lauri Markkanen to mock deals with the Bulls as speculative midseason options.