Following a poor 2023-24 season, many Golden State Warriors fans are expecting changes to the franchise. Klay Thompson, a former All-NBA guard, is ready to enter unrestricted free agency, Andrew Wiggins is almost certainly on his way out, and the franchise may release Chris Paul after one season. However, the Warriors don’t appear to be interested in cleaning house just yet. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports that the Warriors will “do everything they can to keep” Jonathan Kuminga.
The third-year forward had a great year with Golden State this season. Kuminga appeared in 74 games and started 46 of them. In those games, the 21-year-old averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest. Additionally, he shot 52.9% from the field. All of these numbers are Kuminga’s career highs thus far.
Kuminga is eligible for a contract renewal this summer. According to Logan Murdock of The Ringer, there is speculation that “Kuminga could fetch more than $30 million per year on the open market.”
Some observers estimate Kuminga could get more than $30 million per year on the open market, making him the second-highest paid player on Golden State’s roster.
Golden State Warriors’ Rising Star Considered Untouchable
The Golden State Warriors believe in Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga and Draymond Green have developed a mentor-mentee relationship over the course of their three years as Warriors teammates. Green told ESPN in March that he knew Kuminga had “the gift” before the team chose him in 2021.
“You knew the gift was there,” Green remarked about Kuminga. “He would just need a few years. And for me, having Jarrett Jack assure me he’s fine means a lot.” However, Kuminga did not immediately respond well to Green’s mentoring style – at least not enough for the Warriors’ longtime loud captain. “You get to a stage in your career where you’ve accomplished X, Y, and Z,” Green added, “so he should simply listen to me. It’s a slap in the face for me, not in a bad sense, but like, ‘Wake up, you’re not listening.'”
Furthermore, Warriors CEO Joe Lacob praised Kuminga’s performance during the season, calling him “a monster.”
“He is a monster.” If he continues to play like this, as I believe he will, and improves at 21 years old, his future is limitless.”
The Final Word on Jonathan Kuminga
Despite playing a limited role during his first two seasons with Golden State, Kuminga appears to be coming into his own. It’s unclear whether he’ll get a contract extension this summer. However, early reports indicate that the former champion is in their long-term plans. With Wiggins presumably on the move, it makes sense for the Warriors to permanently assign Kuminga to the starting small forward position.
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