With Jimmy Butler out for the season with an ACL injury and the Warriors now forced to make adjustments, attention has returned to a familiar topic: Jonathan Kuminga and whether he can find his way back into the rotation.
Anthony Slater reports that internal discussions are underway regarding Kuminga's return, opening the door for another twist in one of the Golden State Warriors' most complicated storylines this season.
“I've gotten indications today that they're exploring the idea of restarting the engine to potentially get Jonathan Kuminga back into the rotation,” Slater said on NBA Today. “From Kuminga's side, his feelings about the team and Steve Kerr haven't changed. I've also been told, [Kuminga] We'll be ready if we need to, and I do think we'll write another chapter. “
Steve Kerr's postgame response suggested the possibility wasn't ignored.
When asked if Kuminga could return to the rotation after Butler's injury, Kerr told reporters, “Absolutely. Absolutely.”
That outlook differs from reports from ESPN's Shams Charania, who painted a bleaker picture of the relationship between Kuminga and Kerr even after the Butler news broke.
“The Warriors are, in some form, back in their saga with Jonathan Kuminga,” Charania told SportsCenter. “My sources tell me the relationship between him and Steve Kerr is broken beyond repair.”
However, Kerr has always resisted this characterization.
“We have a great relationship,” Kerr said a few days ago, via The Athletic . “This is a difficult situation for everyone … part of the league and part of the job.”
While questions about the relationship remain, Slater's report suggests both sides appear ready to move forward if the Warriors need Kuminga — regardless of past issues.
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