Phoenix? Sacramento? Chicago? These are some destinations that Jonathan Kuminga could have moved to. Yet, he currently remains seated in the Golden State. The critics are undecided on who to blame for this stalemate. Is it JK’s stubbornness to demand more money? Or the Warriors’ front office demanding more picks in return? Even after three years in the system, his place in the rotation still feels unsettled. And for that, the blame may not only fall on just Steve Kerr, but also Stephen Curry.

Reports say the Warriors offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million deal. He turned it down, and reportedly wants a deal in the $25 to $30 million range. However, for now, the only active offer on the table remains a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. That will not only allow Kuminga to remain with Golden State for another season, but will also give him control over his next destination.

However, even if he signs, the problem remains his fit alongside the Big 3 of the Warriors. Insider Grant Liffmann explained how it’s not just Kerr’s fault.

“He has this like, ‘I want to be out there. I want to be playing.’ And he’s a skilled young kid. He’s confident. He’s smart. But like factoring just fit. It’s hard sometimes, and sometimes it’s just a skilled player doesn’t necessarily always have to fit with another skilled player.” The other skilled player in this equation is Stephen Curry.

“Simultaneously, it is difficult to play with him (Curry) sometimes. Not because he’s difficult, but his movement is so unique out there, and understanding what to do with him is so unique in a Steve Kerr system, which is very free flowing and movement and passing and ball movement this and that.”

Liffmann worked for NBC Sports Bay Area for more than five years as a broadcaster for Warriors games. So, he knows about what makes the organization tick. And it does not seem to be a secret that Kuminga has had issues working with Curry. Back in May, Steve Kerr openly addressed the JK question, calling it “a tricky one” because Kuminga is “gifted and wants to play a bigger role and wants to play more.” During the playoffs, Kuminga sat while veterans like Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Stephen Curry carried the minutes. Kerr only expanded Kuminga’s role when Curry suffered a hamstring injury.

That was a short time, but the 22-year-old showed his true potential. In those final four games, Kuminga posted 24.3 points per game on 55.4% shooting. Yet, if the choice comes down to between JK and Curry, not just Kerr, but everybody will pick the 4x NBA champion instead. However, this does not mean there is no solution to the Kuminga issue.

Jonathan Kuminga’s last act could help the Warriors bring in 2x MVP

There is no doubt that the front office, including GM Mike Dunleavy, wants to maximize the Curry window to bring another championship. That’s where the fish hunting begins for the Warriors. “As you’re saying, the Warriors will always be big fish huntin. As long as they have Steph Curry, they’re going to big fish hunt,” said Liffman. For this, they will require Jonathan Kuminga to sign a multiyear deal, say three years at $22 to $25 million. This will help them steer negotiation and demand full price and picks, which they can even trade for a certain Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Liffmann continued, “But like the point is that they’re if Giannis sure they’re probably, it would be crazy if they weren’t trying for him, right? Can you imagine putting Giannis with Steph? They’re trying to keep Steph Curry’s window open, right?” It’s not the first time that Greek Freak has been linked to the Dub Nation.

Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard explained why JK and his full value become important for a potential Giannis trade. “Like every other smart team, they’re trying to maintain every asset they’ve got so they’re ready once and if the Giannis Antetokounmpo market heats up.” 

Instead of rebuilding and trying to fit Kuminga alongside Curry, Liffmann feels they should prepare for a scenario where the Bucks superstar might be the next “big fish.”

“You don’t have as much time to just get a bunch of young guys and develop them to three years from now be like, ‘All right, now let’s go for it,’ and that’s why they’re going for Giannis.”

Let’s not forget that, currently, with the stalemate due to Jonathan Kuminga’s situation, the front office is yet to act on other players. They reportedly have verbal deals with Al Horford, Gary Payton II, and De’Anthony Melton. But those can’t be finalized until the Kuminga situation clears up. With so much riding on one player’s future, resolution has taken time. However, if there is a way that it gets them closer to trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Warriors have a no-brainer on their hands.