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It’s a matter of days before the Jonathan Kuminga situation gets sorted out. All the discussions are done, but JK hasn’t made a decision. Despite these troubles, the Warriors hope that he will return. Stephen Curry knows that Kuminga will be ready to help, no matter his decision. Jimmy Butler feels the same way.
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Since joining the Bay, Butler has been fascinated by Kuminga’s talent. Ironically, his entrance is what has kept Steve Kerr from starting the 22-year-old regularly. But as far as his contract negotiations go, Butler has no doubts that the budding forward will fall in line with the Warriors’ motives soon.
“He’s gonna have to be. No matter what happens, he’s gonna have to be because the main goal should always be about winning. When you win, you get everything you want anyways,” Butler said on media day, according to The Athletic.
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That could very well be the case. Notably, Draymond Green admitted that Kuminga had told him he wanted to be with the Warriors. But nobody understands contract stalemates as well as Jimmy Butler. The former Heat forward bet on himself and earned a max contract under more convenient circumstances. So, his message to Jonathan Kuminga about his future was to prioritize his emotions.
USA Today via Reuters
October 30, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) listens to forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
“I just tell him, ‘Don’t compare yourself to anybody. It’s your decision, it’s your life. Do what you feel is right in your heart, and you do what you think is right for you. It’s your career, your life. Don’t let anybody make no type of decision for you, except for you,” Butler told JK.
How that looks, nobody knows. If Kuminga signs his qualifying offer, he has the opportunity to control what he wants. A new team to provide him a platform to really expand his game. The Warriors can also offer JK the same. However, the person who could clarify those things was surprisingly absent.
Steve Kerr remains absent for media day
Kuminga not appearing for media day was understandable. He isn’t an official member of the roster until he makes a decision about his contract. But it rarely happens that a coach won’t show up. So Steve Kerr and Mike Dunleavy, both not making an appearance, came as a shock.
Nick Friedell reported, “Warriors say Kerr won’t be speaking today. Neither will Dunleavy. The Warriors have always had a very forward approach with PR. Never seen a media day — for any team — where the coach and GM don’t speak at the podium,”. He felt the reason tied back to Jonathan Kuminga.
His time with the Golden State Warriors has been devoid of opportunity. On several occasions, Steve Kerr has mentioned difficulties in giving him larger minutes besides the core. It’s among the reasons Kuminga and his representation aren’t willing to take a deal that includes a team option. Had Kerr come on media day and relayed his confidence in JK, it would maybe have helped the 22-year-old reach a decision.
But with no response, it’s become a waiting game. Kuminga has until Wednesday, which is the deadline to sign a $7.9 million qualifying offer. There’s a growing belief that JK will opt for that option to gain complete control over his future. The only way he would entertain staying with the Warriors depends on whether Kerr gives him opportunities.
It’s hard to see that being possible with the core the Warriors have. Additionally, they also added Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, filling up their depth. How Kerr plans to use Jonathan Kuminga will only be known once preseason begins. Do you think there is a possibility that JK remains with the Warriors for the long term? Let us know your views in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Tanay Sahai