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Analyst expects young forward to see out entire season with the Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Golden State Warriors has been a source of conversation this offseason, particularly after the 20-year-old’s disappointing playoff campaign where he found himself out of Steve Kerr’s rotation.

Speculation arose about the potential of a Kuminga trade in the lead up to June’s NBA Draft, but that’s now dissipated as the Warriors prepare to offer the third-year forward a more increased role in 2023-24.

NBA writer Mark Medina expects young Golden State Warriors’ forward Jonathan Kuminga to remain with the team past February’s trade deadline.

Although Kuminga’s place at the franchise appears secure for now, it will be an important start to the season for the former seventh overall pick as he looks to grow his stature within the league.

Blessed with elite athleticism and impressive one-on-one defensive instincts, there will undoubtedly be suitors for Kuminga should his season begin slowly and were Golden State to make him available before the trade deadline.

Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors looks on during action against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors looks on during action against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /

However, NBA writer Mark Medina, who covered the Warriors for Bay Area News Group between 2017 and 2019, believes Kuminga will remain with the franchise until at least the completion of his third season.

"“They’ll lean on some more veterans like a Chris Paul, and then seeing if Jonathan Kuminga can take that next step forward. But if I had to guess, he’ll be with them the entire season”, Medina told GIVEMESPORT recently."

Medina did stop short of guaranteeing Kuminga’s tenure, calling it a ‘fluid’ situation and having  previously labelled it as a ‘make-or-break’ season for the talented two-way forward.

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For now Kuminga will look to put his best foot forward during training camp in the hopes of nailing down a consistent rotation spot. He appeared in 67 regular season games for the Warriors in 2022-23, averaging 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20.8 minutes per game.

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