NBA Trade Rumors: Steve Kerr Told Harsh Reality of Jonathan Kuminga’s Situation in Tough Statement

Jonathan Kuminga has long been on the trading block as fans continue to yearn for upgrades to the Golden State Warriors roster. Considering the constant uncertainty of Kuminga's spot on the team, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has addressed the situation with a strongly worded statement.

According to Kerr, the team has been trying to educate players on the business aspects of basketball, including the front office's roster changes. He even compared Kuminga to Andrew Wiggins, who was traded to the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler in the middle of the season last year.

“It's a tough spot to be in… Andrew Wiggins was in this exact boat a year ago," Kerr said during the Tom Telbert show. "I always just try to talk to the guys about the business and this is how it works… it's all part of the deal that you sign up for.”

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Kuminga has been in and out of the rotation since the start of the season. When he plays, Kuminga puts up 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He has only appeared in 18 games so far this year.

Kuminga signed a two-year deal with the Warriors last season following a lengthy standoff with the team due to a mismatch of salary desires.

Because of his signing, Kuminga will only be eligible for a trade starting on Jan. 15 next year.

The Warriors have dealt with numerous injuries in their roster, including on stars Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. Despite the injury bug, the team remained in the eighth spot in the Western Conference with a 14-15 record.

---

Jonathan Kuminga expresses frustration with inconsistent role this season

Jonathan Kuminga has not had a definitive role with the team this season, and that only increases his frustration.

In his interview with Andscape, Kuminga said that he does not ask head coach Steve Kerr about his role anymore since he does not want to waste his time.

“I don’t ask (Kerr) about roles because I know what he is going to tell me,” Kuminga said . “I don’t waste my energy. I choose not to ask because nobody is going to tell me. It’s whatever." "You just have to find ways to do things when you get out there. Make plays, defend. I don’t have a consistent role. I just play a role where I make sure I play defense and run the floor.”

Now in his fourth season, Kuminga is expected to continue being on the trading block ahead of the trade deadline in February.

Edited by Rob Andrew Lo