Golden State Warriors: Explosive report is latest and strongest hint towards imminent Jonathan Kuminga trade

The Golden State Warriors season has been thrown into further disarray with an explosive report referring to the relationship between head coach Steve Kerr and third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania on Friday, Kuminga has "lost faith" in his head coach after the eyebrow raising decision to keep the 21-year-old off the floor during the last 18 minutes of the Warriors' 130-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Jonathan Kuminga has rightfully grown tired and frustrated of his handling by Golden State Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr

Kuminga was impressive in the first two-and-a-half quarters, recording 16 points, four rebounds and four assists in less than 19 minutes of action. His relentless attack on the inside yielded seven free-throw attempts, of which he made six.

According to Charania's sources, the decision not to go back to Kuminga "was the straw that broke the camel's back", with the Warriors having collapsed from an 18-point lead to a three-point defeat over the final seven minutes.

""The 2021 lottery pick no longer believes Kerr will allow him to reach his full potential, sources close to Kuminga tell The Athletic.""

- Shams Charania

This revelation is far from a surprise, with Kuminga recently talking to The Athletic's Marcus Thompson about his 'confusion' in regard to his playing opportunity. The two-way forward's chances have improved in the absence of Draymond Green, having started all 11 games since the veteran was indefinitely suspended. However, there remains countless occasions where Kuminga, and most Golden State fans, believe he should be playing more.

Frustration also arose during the 2023 playoffs where Kuminga was left out of Kerr's rotation, leading to much speculation regarding his future during the offseason. With just over a month remaining until the February 8 trade deadline, that speculation is sure to mount again in the wake of Thursday's game.

Charania's report is the latest and strongest point towards an imminent Kuminga trade over the next month, one that will undoubtedly frustrate fans should it eventuate. The former seventh overall pick has taken great strides particularly over the last few weeks, yet hasn't been rewarded in a manner that correlates with that level of play.

The same could be said for fellow 2021 lottery pick Moses Moody who's now received three-straight DNP's. The 16-18 Warriors host the Detroit Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back on Friday night.