Jonathan Cuminga is expected to be traded by the Golden State Warriors this offseason, and he sounds excited for the next chapter.
Throughout the first 34 games of the Golden State Warriors season, Jonathan Kuminga averaged 16.8 points and five rebounds. He then missed 31 games with ankle sprain and when he came back he was reduced in role.
Between the lack of contract extension last summer, visible frustration with the Warriors’ rotation and the addition of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors will sign and trade this summer, sending their previous seventh overall pick to the new team.
Kuminga recently opened up about playing his career goals with other locations, and he appears to be excited by the possibility.
Last season, Cuminga’s fourth in the league was the only cut with the injured person being short. As his role expands, he has made it clear that he believes he has the tools to improve both ends of the floor, succeed and become an All-Star.
“We aim to be an All-Star multiple times and do great things,” Kuminga said. Athletic About his career goals.
After 2021 draft classmate Moses Moody received a three-year contract from Golden State, Cuminga became annoyed with his team, returning to the bench from the starting lineup, returning to the starting five, and back on the bench, again not helping his frustration.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s the Warriors or elsewhere. That’s what I want,” he said of making an ultimate All-Star Game. “I want to see what I can do. I know I got it, so I really want to see it. I don’t have that chance.”
Kuminga didn’t play in the final regular season game, a must-see for Golden State. He didn’t play in the play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He played in only eight of the Dub’s postseason games despite being one of the best players in the regular season.
It’s no wonder he wants to go out.
Kuminga is well versed in not publishing a list of preferred destinations, but it seems “here and wherever” he has yet to burn the bridge in the Warriors organization.
Cuminga is linked to the heat, nets, dollars and sun at some point, but after a turbulent season in Golden State, he just wants to play a role.
“I want it to be a consistent role,” he outlined. “Because I know what I got. I know what I can bring. I know how much work I did. I know that I’m focused on this game, how much I love the game.”
He has improved over his short career, but he correctly believes that there is a lack of runways in Golden State and knows that he cannot hit his ceiling unless he wins a regular role.
“The better I get, and if I get the chance, I’m trying to show it,” he finished.
Many stars become divas because of lack of a better term, but Kuminga just wants respect, integrity and minutes, but none of them are too big.