In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Golden State Warriors appear to have slammed the door shut on Jonathan Kuminga’s tenure with the team. What was once a promising chapter in the franchise’s rebuild around its aging core has unraveled spectacularly, culminating in a ruthless decision by head coach Steve Kerr that signals the end of an era for the young forward. As the Warriors grapple with their championship window narrowing, Kuminga’s recent benching amid swirling trade rumors feels like the final nail in the coffin.
The drama unfolded in real time during the Warriors’ recent string of tough losses, where Kuminga—once heralded as a key piece of the future—found himself sidelined. Starting the season in Kerr’s lineup, the 23-year-old forward dazzled early with explosive performances, including two games where he dropped 24 points single-handedly. But the honeymoon was short-lived. Over his last four outings, Kuminga managed a meager 24 points total, shooting a dismal 10-of-29 from the field while coughing up nine turnovers. His minutes plummeted, and whispers of discontent grew louder.
Nick San Miguel of BlueManHoop.com didn’t mince words in his recent piece urging the Warriors to trade Kuminga, an idea that’s lingered since the forward’s protracted extension negotiations over the summer. “After he was recently benched by head coach Steve Kerr, it seems the franchise now has a clear decision when it comes to their young forward,” San Miguel wrote. He pointed to Kuminga’s lack of buy-in as a core issue, especially in light of pointed comments from teammates that seemed to target the youngster without naming him directly.
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The internal friction came to a head following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Draymond Green, never one to shy away from tough love, dropped a bombshell in his post-game remarks: “I think everyone has a personal agenda in this league. But you have to make those personal agendas work within the team confines. If it doesn’t work, you kind of got to get rid of your agenda or eventually the agenda is the cause of someone getting rid of you.” Green’s words hung heavy, especially after he reflected on the team’s commitment post the Buddy Hield trade last season (noting the apparent typo in reports referencing “Butler,” which seems to be a misreference to Hield’s acquisition). “I think everyone was committed to winning and doing that any way possible. Right now, it doesn’t feel that way,” Green added in a tweet that garnered widespread attention.
Even Jimmy Butler—wait, no, that can’t be right. Reports have muddled the quotes, but it’s clear the sentiment was echoed by key Warriors voices, including Green and perhaps misattributed to others. Butler, of course, remains with the Miami Heat, but the essence remains: turnover-prone play from Kuminga, who ranks second on the team in giveaways, has frustrated the veterans. “Myself, I can’t have turnovers. JK can’t have turnovers… We’re the ones that have to keep our turnovers down,” one quote attributed to a teammate read, underscoring the growing divide.
Kuminga’s injury woes haven’t helped his case. A major update revealed he’s been battling ailments that have hampered his explosiveness, but San Miguel argues it’s more than physical—it’s about commitment. The summer negotiations raised red flags about Kuminga’s long-term vision aligning with Golden State’s, and now, with the team eyeing one last title run with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the core intact, Kuminga seems expendable.
Yet, in a twist, Green himself came to Kuminga’s defense on his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” after a game against the San Antonio Spurs. “Obviously, I think JK has been playing really well. So to go out of the starting lineup, it kind of sucks,” Green admitted. He dismissed the notion of Kuminga as a scapegoat, firing back at critics: “I know everyone loves a good drama. Everybody’s saying, ‘Oh man, he’s being the scapegoat,’ and this, that and all that. There’s no scapegoat. We’re 13 games in… Only bad teams and losers panic in Game 12 of an 82-game season with 70 games left.”
Green’s support, however, feels like a last-ditch effort amid mounting pressure. The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year has a history of protecting his own—remember his threats to a fan over an “Angel Reese” chant?—but even he can’t ignore the stats. Kuminga’s season averages of 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 47.8% shooting are solid but not superstar-level, especially as the Warriors’ championship aspirations demand more.
This ruthless benching by Kerr isn’t just a lineup tweak; it’s a statement. With trade rumors recirculating—fueled by Kuminga’s extension and the team’s need for win-now pieces—the Warriors are poised to move on. San Miguel’s call to action resonates: “Moving on from the wing whenever possible is the best move to ensure this team remains a title contender.”
As the November 18, 2025, date marks another chapter in Golden State’s turbulent season, fans are left wondering: Was this the end we saw coming, or a bombshell that changes everything? Kuminga’s era with the Warriors, once full of potential, has ended not with a bang, but with a benching that speaks volumes. The trade deadline looms, and the Dubs’ front office must act swiftly to salvage their shot at glory.