The Golden State Warriors had a late start to the NBA offseason, but it’s safe to say they figured it out. Trades and free agent signings were stalled by Jonathan Kuminga’s contract standoff, although he and the Warriors agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million deal.
After that, the Warriors were able to round out their roster in free agency. Despite a glaring lack of youth, the Warriors are expected to make some noise this season.
Kuminga is expected to grow from last season and continue to impact winning for the Warriors. However, he has made it clear that he wants a major role, and Steve Kerr frankly has no reason to give it to him.
GettySAITAMA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 02: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors speaks with head coach Steve Kerr during the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors – NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
Kuminga Issued Clear Steve Kerr Warning
The Warriors have two things they could focus on: maximizing the end of Stephen Curry’s prime or paving the way for young talent.
The Dubs have tried to do both, but it didn’t work. Moving forward, winning titles is the main concern, and Kuminga will be asked to play a role, not be the star.
As a restricted free agent this summer, he could have signed a bigger offer with a new team, although clearly no one was interested in adding him on the expensive contract he was looking for.
“The fact that he stayed, it pretty much shows what the market was for him in the offseason,” said DeMarcus Cousins on FanDuel’s Run It Back show. “As far as Steve changing, I don’t think he changes. And it’s not necessarily a negative thing. I think he’s stuck with what’s worked for him and what’s helped him win championships.”
Kuminga has made it clear in the past that the Warriors need to change in order to maximize him, although Golden State shouldn’t lose sleep over his development, as there’s a title to chase.
Kuminga Must Put Golden State Warriors First
As Cousins made clear, maximizing Kuminga is not Kerr’s main priority. Kuminga’s new contract is easily tradable, although if he is unable to put the team first, his value around the league will plummet.
The Warriors, under Kerr, have turned players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala into Hall of Famers. In short, their process is proven. Kuminga needs to buy into what works.
“This is a situation when a young fella is going to have to get in line and buy in,” Cousins added. “So I don’t think anything about Steve Kerr’s approach or his plans on trying to win a season or change.”
It’s shocking that at 37 years old, Stephen Curry can still be the present and future of a team. Until he gives Golden State reason to fully embrace youth, team success is centered on him.
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