Kuminga stops playing for the Warriors: “We’re adjusting things”

Jonathan Kuminga is once again at the center of a simmering storyline in Golden State — and this time, it’s impossible to ignore.

The 23-year-old forward, whose contract situation dominated the Warriors’ summer and stalled multiple NBA transactions, has been removed from Steve Kerr’s rotation. Officially, the explanation is simple: adjustments. In reality, it highlights a deeper disconnect between player and coach that never fully went away.

A familiar rift resurfaces in Golden State

After dealing with minor physical issues and watching the roster stabilize following recent tweaks, Kerr made a bold decision: Kuminga would sit. The move surprised many around the league and inside the fan base, especially given Kuminga’s role and salary.

It’s now increasingly clear that Kuminga and Kerr are not aligned in their basketball vision — a theme that has quietly followed the former No. 7 overall pick since his extension talks last summer.

The decision that turned heads — and delivered results

Before last night’s 127-120 loss to the Timberwolves, Golden State had suffered just one other notable loss in recent weeks: a 124–112 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder, owners of the NBA’s best record at 23–1. Otherwise, the Warriors have been rolling.

In Chicago — against the Bulls franchise where Kerr won championships alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen — the coach leaned on his authority and reshuffled aggressively. Kuminga was out entirely.

The result? A dominant 22-point win.

And it didn’t come with Stephen Curry, Seth Curry, or Draymond Green on the floor. Jimmy Butler carried the offense, while several lower-rotation players delivered standout performances — players who, on paper, sit below Kuminga in the hierarchy. Notably, Kuminga is now the fourth-highest-paid Warrior at $22.5 million annually.

Criticism, contracts, and a shifting locker room

Kuminga has drawn criticism in recent weeks, partly stemming from his public stance during contract negotiations and his uneven impact in recent losses. He hasn’t been alone.

Brandin Podziemski has faced scrutiny over consistency and focus. Buddy Hield — the Bahamian sharpshooter — has been questioned for his defensive commitment. These issues weren’t unexpected; they reflect a roster built with overlapping skill sets and difficult rotation choices.

Butler himself reportedly requested changes after one of the losses, and Kerr responded by shaking things up.

Signs of life in a crowded Western Conference?

The Warriors sit at .500 at 13–13 in a brutally competitive Western Conference where the middle tier is chaotic. On their recent East Coast swing, Golden State made a statement — not just beating the Bulls, but also knocking off the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road.

Pat Spencer has been quietly brilliant running the offense and knocking down shots. Richard has developed strong chemistry with Hield and Butler, each in his own way. Veterans De’Anthony Melton and Moses Moody have steadied Podziemski, whose unorthodox style still makes him a key bench piece.

Why Kuminga is sitting — and what comes next

Despite signing a contract extension last summer, Kuminga is out of the rotation. According to local reports, Kerr wanted to give Brazilian forward Gui Santos extended minutes while the opportunity existed.

But the bigger question remains unresolved: Kuminga’s long-term future in San Francisco.

Even with his two-year extension, trade possibilities haven’t disappeared — whether before the deadline or next summer. Kerr has never been convinced that a mindset prioritizing individual growth over collective execution fits a team that has been dynastic under his leadership.

For now, Kerr is testing everyone.

Kerr and Kuminga speak — carefully

“It happens to everybody, you know, pretty much other than the stars,” Kerr said when asked about Kuminga’s absence. “Guys come in and out of the rotation depending on, you know, who’s available, how the team’s playing.”

At just 23, Kuminga was expected to take a major leap this season. Instead, he’s averaging 12 points per game — production that hasn’t guaranteed his spot.

“As long as things are working out and we’re winning, I don’t see a point of switching anything or changing,” Kuminga said. “Whenever my number gets called, I’ll be ready.”

He also emphasized that his relationship with Kerr remains positive — perhaps to cool the narrative — though the tension lingers.

“I keep everything that happened in the summer in the summer,” Kuminga added. “We have a good relationship. We get to talk and figure out things. We don’t have any problem… I’m going to stay happy, I’m going to stay lucky, I’m going to stay focused into the next one.”

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