The Golden State Warriors have a pivotal first-round playoff against the Houston Rockets.
Golden State will need its superstars to set the tone consistently and role players to perform adequately to make a surprising title run as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.
Jonathan Kuminga could be an X-factor for the franchise in the postseason, but his future with the Warriors could be in jeopardy if he continues to move backward with Golden State.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley predicts the Warriors will part with Kuminga in the offseason via a sign-and-trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
“The Golden State Warriors just played their most important game of the season—and chose to play it without a healthy Jonathan Kuminga,” Buckley wrote Monday.
“It’s hard to say for certain what exactly that means for his future with (or without) the franchise, but it certainly casts an ominous light on the former lottery pick’s upcoming restricted free agency.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“Kuminga’s absence from the rotation was notable enough that James Harden asked him about it on the bench, per Danny Emerman of the San Francisco Standard. Emerman went on to note that Kuminga and the Warriors didn’t come close on contract talks this offseason, despite the fact Kuminga didn’t demand a maximum level figure.”
“If Warriors coach Steve Kerr doesn’t trust Kuminga, the front office must think long and hard about the utility of keeping the athletic swingman around. Golden State would presumably prefer not to lose the asset outright, but a sign-and-trade (to the Nets) that gives Kuminga a fresh start and the Warriors a better fit for their system seems like the best outcome for all.”
Kuminga played well in the Bay to start the year.
Without Jimmy Butler affecting his role with the franchise and a devastating lower body setback, Kuminga regularly displayed his elite athleticism and off-the-dribble shot creation.
However, after suffering a significant ankle sprain in early January and being forced to compete with Butler for minutes upon returning, Kuminga hasn’t been as effective with the Warriors.
Kuminga averaged 13.1 points per game in March and 10.8 points in April after scoring 15+ points per game in December and the beginning of January (before injury).
Although Draymond Green is adamant that the former lottery pick will contribute in the playoffs, there’s a legitimate possibility that Kuminga won’t positively impact games for Golden State on the hardwood.
The 22-year-old pro was linked to the Nets before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, so it makes sense for the NBA champion wing and struggling Eastern Conference franchise to be involved in offseason trade speculation.
Brooklyn should monitor Kuminga’s postseason play closely.
More NBA: Lakers should acquire $70 million ex-Rockets MVP to help LeBron catch Michael Jordan
