Overview
- Steve Kerr moved Kuminga to the bench on Nov. 12 during a rough stretch, and a team source told ESPN he “feels like the scapegoat again.”
- Jimmy Butler has emerged as Kuminga’s mentor, defending his value, pressing him on winning habits, and maintaining that recent victories are not because he’s out.
- Kuminga’s extension is reported at $46.8 million over two years with a 2026–27 team option and a trade bonus, and he cannot be traded until Jan. 15.
- A veteran NBA executive, via Marc Stein, labeled Kuminga and his contract “one of the best trade chips in the league,” increasing league-wide speculation before February.
- After a 4–1 start with strong early numbers, Kuminga’s turnovers and efficiency slipped before the injury, and Golden State has recorded wins during his absence.