The latest chapter on the Jonathan Kuminga saga with the Golden State Warriors happened in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. Kuminga was given a DNP (Did Not Play) designation by coach Steve Kerr despite being healthy and the team winning via blowout.
Speaking to ESPN’s Anthony Slater after the game, Kuminga has opened up on getting sidelined in the Warriors’ 123-91 win over the Bulls in Chicago. He showed a lot of maturity by not complaining about his situation. He’s just happy that Golden State got their 13th win of the season.
“I’m not really sure (how long it lasts). But as long as things are working out there and we winning, I don’t see the point of switching anything, changing. Whenever my number get called, I’ll be ready,” Kuminga said.
Jimmy Butler‘s return to the lineup ate a chunk of Kuminga’s supposed minutes. Gui Santos, Will Richard and Moses Moody also got a lot of playing time, so it was surprising that the 23-year-old forward didn’t receive minutes even during garbage time.
Kuminga’s DNP Comes After Kerr’s Remarks About His Effort
Before the Golden State Warriors’ 99-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, Steve Kerr seemingly called out Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. Kerr urged Kuminga to stop being careless with the ball and bring the energy needed in the game.
“With JK, always run the floor. Take care of the ball. Turnovers have been an issue lately. I’m really urging for him to get up the floor instead of holding back in the backcourt and asking for the ball. I want him to be the first guy down the floor, not the last,” Kerr said, via ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Since returning from injury, Kuminga hasn’t been playing well. He’s averaging 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in his last four games, while shooting 30.0% from the field, 30.8% from 3-point range and 50.0% from the free-throw line.
As for Podziemski, Kerr wanted him to stop holding the ball for too long, urging him to let the game come to him. While Kuminga didn’t get a chance to show it against the Chicago Bulls, Podz was phenomenal off the bench with 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Kuminga Expected to Become Available For Trade
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, the Golden State Warriors are expected to make Jonathan Kuminga available for trade once he becomes eligible on December 15. Kuminga has a team option for next season, making his contract a valuable asset for the Warriors.
Back in the offseason, the two teams that showed genuine interest in Kuminga were the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania back in July.
Another team being linked to Kuminga is the Milwaukee Bucks, amid the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that if the Warriors are serious about trying to acquire Antetokounmpo, they most likely need to trade Jimmy Butler rather than Draymond Green.
Regardless of what the Bucks are planning to do, teams like the San Antonio Spurs have a better stockpile of assets and young players than the Warriors. Kuminga will likely have different suitors that are in need of scoring.
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