On Sunday, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga spoke up about his future with the team ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. He brought the topic up after finding out he will be sidelined for at least three weeks due to suffering a severe injury on his right ankle during Saturday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Talking to reporters prior to the Golden State’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, the 22-year-old forward recognized the uncertainty of his future with the team, but he remains confident and hopeful in his chances of remaining with the Warriors.
“I feel good. You never know what’s going to happen, but I’m pretty confident this is where I’m at,” Kuminga said.
Jonathan Kuminga on his future with the Warriors as trade deadline/restricted free agency looms and he is set to miss at least three weeks: “I feel good. You never know what’s going to happen, but I’m pretty confident this is where I’m at.” pic.twitter.com/GnGYTqPUVW
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 6, 2025
Ever since Jonathan Kuminga chose not to ink an extension deal with the Warriors during the offseason, his name has been at the center of trade rumors. Kuminga’s contract situation has fueled speculations that Golden State could build a trade package centered around the forward to acquire a star player that can bolster their roster in the hope to contend for another title.
The Warriors’ front office is under pressure to maximize their championship window and capitalize on their superstar point guard Steph Curry’s last remaining years in his prime. At 36 years old, Curry is nearing the twilight of his professional career.
Jonathan Kuminga was performing exceptionally before he got injured
Jonathan Kuminga got injured at a most inopportune time both for him and the Golden State Warriors. He had been playing the best basketball of his young career, coming off the bench and making a significant impact when he was on the court.
The young Warriors forward was visibly upset and frustrated over the injury and about being unable to contribute to his team.
“I just don’t want to be off,” Kuminga said. “I want to be playing. I feel like our team had started taking off in the right direction and I’d love to just be out there.”
Jonathan Kuminga is on crutches today with his right ankle heavily wrapped. Can’t put weight on it.
“I just don’t want to be off. I want to be playing. I feel like our team had started taking off in the right direction.” pic.twitter.com/2KLghi3MRI
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 6, 2025
Aside from Kuminga, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was also disheartened at his young forward’s injury.
“Brutal,” Kerr said in a media conference prior to their game against the Kings. “JK has been playing so well and obviously such a big part of what we’re doing and he’s our most athletic scorer and finisher. And he’s been playing so well, so it’s a tough one.”
Steve Kerr on Kuminga’s 3-week (at least) absence: “Brutal.”
He said Kyle Anderson and Moses Moody will get increased opportunity. https://t.co/q16dPH8dFD
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 5, 2025
Before the injury, Kuminga was averaging 16.8 points per game, shooting 45.9% from the field including 34.5% from the three-point zone. He also proved to be an all-around player, grabbing 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
