Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has become a hot-button topic once again — not for his scoring outbursts, but for internal friction with the coaching staff. According to a report from The Ringer’s Logan Murdock, Warriors coaches were “irked” by Kuminga’s decision to look off Stephen Curry in a critical late-season game, adding to growing concerns over his role within the team’s system.
Warriors Coaches Frustrated With Kuminga’s Shot Selection
Kuminga’s fluctuating role in his fourth NBA season has led to confusion both inside and outside the organization. The latest wrinkle comes from a report detailing how Kuminga disrupted the Warriors’ offensive rhythm by prioritizing his own scoring over passing to Curry.
“Despite his talent, Kuminga’s propensity to look for his shot at the expense of the flow of Golden State’s offense has irked the coaching staff,” Murdock wrote. “During a late-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers, team sources say Kerr was incensed after several instances in which Kuminga looked off [Steph] Curry to create his own offense.”
In that April game, Kuminga posted 10 points on just 2-of-7 shooting in 17 minutes. The Warriors won 103-86, but the coaching staff’s dissatisfaction reportedly lingered.
Kuminga Benched: DNP-CD Raises Eyebrows
The situation escalated when Kuminga logged a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) in the Warriors’ regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Clippers — sparking trade rumors and speculation about his future with the franchise.
According to the same report, many within the Warriors organization began to question whether Kuminga — eligible for a contract extension this offseason — had played his last game in a Golden State uniform.
He also received a DNP-CD in the Warriors’ Play-In game against the Memphis Grizzlies and saw limited action in the seven-game series versus the Houston Rockets in Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Jimmy Butler’s Arrival Complicates Kuminga’s Role
Steve Kerr cited a “lack of fit” as the primary reason for benching Kuminga, especially following the Warriors’ midseason acquisition of six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler. Butler’s presence tightened the forward rotation, and Kuminga was the odd man out.
However, the Warriors were forced to adjust again after Steph Curry sustained a hamstring injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kuminga Responds With Stellar Playoff Performances
Since rejoining the playoff rotation in Curry’s absence, Kuminga has thrived. Over the past three games, the 22-year-old is averaging 23.7 points while shooting 60% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range — showing flashes of the elite talent that made him the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
His recent performances could influence Golden State’s offseason decisions. With questions surrounding his long-term fit, the Warriors face a pivotal decision: build around Kuminga or explore trade options.
What’s Next for Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors?
As the Warriors fight to extend their season in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Jonathan Kuminga’s role has never been more critical — or more uncertain. Whether he remains in Steve Kerr’s plans or becomes a key trade chip this summer, Kuminga is firmly in the NBA spotlight once again.
Stay tuned for more Golden State Warriors updates, Jonathan Kuminga trade rumors, and breaking NBA Playoffs 2025 news.
