Warriors ponder first sacrifice after 2025 NBA playoffs elimination

The Golden State Warriors were eliminated from the Western Conference semifinals by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who closed out the series 4-1 following a hamstring strain suffered by Stephen Curry in Game 1.

Now out of contention, the Dubs are turning their attention to the offseason, where a roster shakeup is likely if they hope to remain contenders.

Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that several players are eager for bigger roles, but conceded that it’s tough to find minutes for everyone when key veterans like Curry, Draymond Green and recent acquisition Jimmy Butler are on the floor.

Speaking on Willard and Dibs with Mark Willard and Dan Dibley on 95.7 The Game, Kerr addressed growing speculation about forward Jonathan Kuminga’s role – and future – with the team.

“I think the most important thing is that JK and I have a really good relationship. We talk all the time, we get along,” Kerr said. “This is just basketball. It’s not about JK coming in and saying, ‘Hey, I have to get out of here; I want this or that.’ It’s simply about trying to make it work. Every young player – even the veterans – wants to feel like they’re part of something.”

Kuminga’s uncertain future with the Warriors

Kuminga wrapped up his fourth season with mixed results, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 47 games. But he fell out of the rotation late in the year and only appeared in three of seven games during the series against the Houston Rockets.

“There’s got to be a part of JK that thinks about going elsewhere and if he’d get more of an opportunity,” Kerr continued. “Those are all very normal human emotions to think about.”

The forward returned to action in the Timberwolves series after Curry’s injury and made the most of his minutes – averaging 24.3 points over four games, including a standout 30-point performance in Game 3.

“One hundred percent, I’m going to invest time in him next year. Assuming JK’s back, I’ll be looking at him from day one,” Kerr said. “We didn’t have that luxury this season, you know? Jimmy came in and JK got hurt, pretty much at the same time. And once Jimmy arrived, we were basically in playoff mode – every game was crucial.”

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