Jonathan Kuminga’s form could impact Golden State Warriors’ negotiations with Draymond Green

It’s a big last third of the season for almost every member of the Golden State Warriors, but there’s some who’s closing period will mean more than others as the franchise aims for back-to-back championships.

That’s the case for Jonathan Kuminga, with the second-year forward’s form to have a multi-layered impact on the team’s current and future ambitions. The 20-year-old has already been one of the rare bright spots of the Warriors stagnant season, unleashing his athleticism and developing skill to emerge as the franchise’s most exciting young player.

How well Jonathan Kuminga closes the season could impact the Golden State Warriors’ contract offer to Draymond Green in free agency.

Let’s start with the simplest and most short-term outlook. Kuminga has gained the trust of Steve Kerr and placed himself well and truly in the Warriors’ playoff rotation as a result. If Golden State want to repeat as NBA champions, they’re genuinely going to need 12-15 minutes (minimum) of a focused Kuminga on a nightly basis.

But if that isn’t motivation enough for the former number seven overall pick, then his form could also be integral to the longer-term outlook. There are two things that are true in Kuminga’s career so far — his lack of consistent perimeter shot makes him a power-forward in the league at this stage, even if he can defend almost every position one through five. Secondly, he’s shown enough to suggest there’s a trajectory in which he becomes at least a starting calibre player, if not a potential All-Star.

If Golden State thinks Kuminga is that player, then that could affect their negotiations with Draymond Green should the 32-year-old opt out from his player option this offseason. The four-time champion will rightfully want a three or four-year deal at around $30 million per season. Are ownership and the front office going to be willing to pay that if they think he can be replaced in the starting lineup within 12 months? Bear in mind they’ve just handed out a massive extension to their current sixth man in Jordan Poole.

Ideally, the Warriors retain Green on a multi-year deal, and if Kuminga demands a starting spot in the future, then that’s a question for further down the track. Preemptively assuming that Kuminga becomes a starting-calibre player would be dangerous, but it may be something they do to relieve themselves of the luxury tax squeeze.