Jonathan Kuminga heads into restricted free agency with visions still of becoming an All-Star, sources tell The Athletic. Kuminga has struggled to be a consistent contributor for the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr. Kuminga wants to be an on-ball 20-point per game scorer, while Kerr has wanted him to be a connector and key defensive piece and likes to compare him to Shawn Marion. Kuminga has been an awkward fit with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green due to a lack of spacing and fewer opportunities for him on the ball.
But sources also say there isn’t an irreconcilable personality clash between Kuminga and either Kerr or the organization.
There is a dearth of cap space available this offseason and the Brooklyn Nets are not expected to have Kuminga in their plans. Brooklyn could instead be a facilitator for multi-team trade scenarios.
The Warriors are unlikely to allow Kuminga to leave in restricted free agency without some return back in the form of a sign-and-trade. But base year compensation complicates any deal as any incoming salary for the Warriors in return for Kuminga will only count as 50 percent of his outgoing salary.
Team sources have hinted that the most pragmatic scenario for all parties is for Kuminga to get his big contract by re-signing with the Warriors, determining whether he could succeed in a featured role, and then finding a workable trade down the road. Sources also tell The Athletic that Kuminga hasn’t ruled out a return to the Warriors.
Kuminga, who is represented by Aaron Turner, averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists this past season in 24.3 minutes across 47 games.
