The Golden State Warriors have always prioritized developing talent and building around their future stars. Just look at what Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson accomplished with the organization after starting their careers in Golden State.
The same cannot be said for former Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Golden State traded him last season, finally bringing an end to a relationship that had been deteriorating for some time.
“The Golden State Warriors have agreed to trade forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for veteran center Kristaps Porzingis, league sources told ESPN on Wednesday night,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote. “The trade ends Kuminga’s five-season roller-coaster tenure with Golden State.”
Minnesota and Golden State faced off Wednesday night, marking the first time the two teams had played against each other since the trade. Kuminga delivered a solid performance against his former team.
“Jonathan Kuminga puts up 20 points (7-of-15 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), three rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers in loss to Warriors. Ayo Dosunmu is not getting all of Ant’s usage. Kuminga will get a bump which will likely lead to more performances like this one. Kuminga signed with the Wolves to show more of what he can do, and he had an opportunity tonight. You don’t expect the assists with Kuminga, but it was a nice boost tonight. He is someone to keep an eye on and might be worth a grab depending on your league,” NBC Sports wrote.
After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared his thoughts on Kuminga playing for the Timberwolves.
“He’s, like most young players, really learning and growing and getting better. So, as I said, more power to him. I want him to have a great career and this seems like a good spot,” Kerr said.
Although Kerr had positive things to say about Kuminga, some of his comments could still come across as a little forced. Considering how Kuminga’s free agency situation played out this summer, including the involvement of his agent, it is not difficult to see how the relationship between him and the Warriors may have become strained.
Kerr also acknowledged that he believes Minnesota is the right place for Kuminga, which is a diplomatic way to approach the situation. It is difficult to know whether either side still has lingering feelings about how things ended, but neither is likely to make those feelings public. For now, both sides appear ready to move forward.
