Just when it looked like Jonathan Kuminga’s situation would finally get some clarity, the silence only deepened. The 22-year-old did not take part in the mandatory media day duties owing to his stalemate with the franchise. In fact, even Warriors leaders Steve Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy avoided giving answers. In their absence, it was someone else, a long-time believer in Kuminga’s abilities, who took the mic.

Scott Perry appeared on Sactown Sports 1140 with Allen Stiles, where the conversation naturally turned toward Jonathan Kuminga and Sacramento’s efforts to lure the young forward earlier in the offseason. While Perry avoided addressing the Kuminga situation directly, he did outline the kind of qualities he prioritized in summer moves, and emphasized that those same principles will continue guiding him as he looks to refine the Kings’ roster moving ahead.

“My job and the function of a general manager of any team has to be really evaluating who you have and what you have and then being making an honest assessment on where you need to improve. And so that’s where I’m at with this whole process,” Perry said. Then, expanding on his philosophy, he added that his focus is on finding players who truly fit the Kings. “And so, the names of the players, whoever that doesn’t matter right now as much to me as is, okay, does the person and the skill set fit? Because I’m a big person, and you guys will find this out about me.”

Perry, who has 25 years of front-office experience, never mentioned Kuminga by name. Still, his words carried the weight of a confidence boost for those wondering where the forward might stand on Sacramento’s radar.

Perry also made it clear in his response that his evaluation still centers on how a player’s skill set and role align with the current roster, an area where Kuminga’s versatility as a hybrid forward could have been a major asset. Yet, for Perry, it isn’t only about basketball fit. He stressed that personality and character also weigh heavily in his decision-making when considering trades or signings.

“When you make a trade, when you sign a free agent, when you draft a player, two things are coming in the door, players talent and the person personality, and they’re not mutually exclusive. They’re coming together. So, you better be comfortable with both, right?”

Well, even before the stalemate, the Warriors’ star has shown a lot of character. Over the last two seasons, he’s averaged 15.8 points on 49.9% shooting in 25.6 minutes per game. But that’s not the whole picture. As a starter, the numbers climb to 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 51.4% efficiency. So, it seems Scott Perry is betting on the starter JK.

A few weeks ago, they made a push for Kuminga by offering Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick in a sign-and-trade for the former lottery pick. In fact, sources confirmed to reporter Sam Amick that Kuminga is okay with a move to Sacramento. But still, there is no agreement. For now, many believe JK would accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer, which expires tomorrow and would be a free agent next year.

Amid Jonathan Kuminga’s stalemate, Warriors veterans send a direct message

The 22-year-old being a fit issue in Golden State is not new. His high-usage style is not a compliment to Steve Kerr’s system, which relies on spacing, ball movement, and role clarity. That’s why we have reached an impasse. As Macmahon of ESPN put it: “Steve Kerr doesn’t want Kuminga. Kuminga doesn’t want to play for the Warriors, in part, because he knows the coach doesn’t want him.”

A trade is a solution, but both parties are holding out on their own end. A three-year, $75.2 million offer with $48 million guaranteed has already landed on the table. Yet, Jonathan Kuming is teasing the possibility of restricted free agency in 2026. So, that’s why it was paramount for the Coach or the GM to speak on this delay.

Before Sunday, they had just 9 players registered on their contract. When the front office did not answer, the onus was on the players. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were blunt and straightforward with their opinion. The latter stated, “Do I think he still wants to be here? I do,” Green said during media day. “He said that to me, that he still wants to be here.”

The leader of the Warriors, Curry, spoke, “We talk about it for sure… Knowing JK’s situation, knowing the new faces that were added, we talk about it every year going into a training camp of what it’s gonna take for that team to win.” With training camp being weeks away, it is all the more important for the Warriors to find a solution. Find a path for Kuminga to integrate, push for a trade with leverage intact, or risk the uncertainty of a contract standoff.