Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga exit, Warriors prioritizing championship window

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Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga exit, Warriors prioritizing championship window

Jonathan Kuminga and his departure from the Golden State Warriors marked the end of a developmental program that never quite aligned with the team's championship timeline. After more than four seasons with the team, Kuminga was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that brought Kristaps Porzintis to the Golden State Warriors, closing a chapter that head coach Steve Kerr admitted was complicated from the start.

Kuminga entered the league with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft after playing for the NBA G League Ignite. However, balancing his long-term development with Golden State's win-now mentality has proven challenging throughout his tenure.

“I think it's a tough situation for everybody because he was so raw when he got here and we're still fighting for a championship,” Kerr said, according to ESPN's Slater.

“He needs to make more mistakes on the track. He needs that experience in the NBA and understanding what it means. It's going to be very difficult for him to not be allowed to make those mistakes. It's going to be tricky for us as a staff to try to develop him while we're trying to win. I think it's as simple as that.”

Despite his high-level performance, Kuminga struggled to find consistent playing time in Golden State's crowded rotation. In his rookie season, he played a supporting role in the Warriors' championship run and performed well in the playoffs on several occasions. However, maintaining that momentum has proven difficult as the organization remains focused on maximizing Stephen Curry's remaining prime years.

“Everybody likes him. I like him. He's a very nice guy. Very personable. Very popular in the locker room. It's just hard to adjust,” Kerr told Slater, via ESPN.

Kuminga started the 2025-26 season with high hopes after signing a two-year contract worth approximately $48.5 million. He averaged over 17 points per game in his first nine starts and hit high percentages from the field and from three-point range. However, injuries, inconsistent play, and roster changes eventually took him out of the rotation, leading to a trade request.