Nearly every Warriors headline this offseason leads back to the Steve Kerr–Jonathan Kuminga disconnect. The tension began when Jimmy Butler’s arrival cut into Kuminga’s usage and stunted his momentum. While teams like the Celtics and Thunder are building through youth, Golden State’s recent track record with player development tells a different story. The unresolved Kuminga situation now feels like the most glaring example—especially as a former NBA player publicly calls out Kerr for mishandling it.

Despite the Dubs’ front office consistently finding high-potential talent, they’ve not been able to nurture them. Golden State’s front office and everyone involved are so focused on getting that next ring that player development has taken a backseat. It’s hard to name a player who has turned into a high-level starter apart from Jordan Poole. On the other hand, this desire has also claimed a couple of more victims in Moses Moody and, of course, Jonathan Kuminga.

Jonathan Kuminga has done more than enough to warrant a bigger role. He averaged 15.3 points per game in the regular season and delivered three straight 20+ point performances in the second round against Minnesota, including a 30-point Game 3. But momentum was hard to maintain—he missed over 30 games midseason with a sprained ankle and was benched in key playoff moments despite being healthy, including the first three games of the Rockets series, which is again not an isolated example. The pattern has become hard to ignore. And according to former NBA player-turned-analyst Kendrick Perkins, it points to a coaching problem more than anything else.

This is what he had to say on the Road Trippin’ podcast with Richard Jefferson and Allie Clifton. “Steve Kerr, in my opinion, has a hard time of letting young guys be great, right?” Perkins questioned. “Like the the only person that I’ve seen him wrap his arms around as a young guy is Podzeimski, right? and Podzeimski is going to be he’s going to have a long career as a role player, but when it comes down to guys elevating and you see a guy that has the potential to be a franchise guy, Steve Kerr is holding these guys back.”

And it’s not isolated criticism. Kerr is often seen as adhering to what some call an unofficial “Six-Year Rule,” where full trust isn’t granted until a player matures into their fifth or sixth year. But Perkins—and many fans—wonder why explosive talents like Kuminga should be held back when they’ve already proven they can tilt matchups in Golden State’s favor. Now, it seems like that frustration may be nearing a breaking point.

Jonathan Kuminga’s trade might just be over the horizon

Kuminga has made clear he’s in no rush to accept the Warriors’ current offers and is actively exploring sign-and-trade options, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Now, he is a restricted free agent with his team demanding a four-year deal worth around $25 to $30 million annually.

But the Dubs already have a massive $171 million payroll for next season, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green consuming over 80% of payroll, so it’s hard to imagine they could dish out an offer that high for Kuminga without suffering deep luxury-tax penalties or hitting their first apron. Turns out, other teams have sniffed this complex situation and are ready to pounce. The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns are reportedly in the mix, eyeing sign-and-trade discussions.

ESPN’s Anthony Slater revealed, “Kuminga had contact with the Kings in the last couple of days. And it’s the first time he’s met Scott Perry. From what I gather, he liked the pitch that Scott Perry gave. He’s open‑minded to the idea of Sacramento.” What made Sac-Town’s offer so tempting is not just the money they are ready to offer; it’s also the opportunity to be a starter, something he isn’t promised in the Bay Area.

Another complicating factor: Kuminga could opt to decline a long-term deal and instead sign the one-year qualifying offer (~$7.9M). That move would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2026, give him more control and trade protection, but also leave Golden State with little flexibility in the short term. Both sides are reportedly weighing that option carefully. 

With the Warriors currently $25M short of the first tax apron and constrained by tight financial structures under the new CBA, resolving Kuminga’s status is an essential prerequisite to making any major roster upgrade this summer.