Jonathan Kuminga, who is the fourth-highest-paid player on the Golden State Warriors roster, sat out their 123–91 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, despite several big names already missing.
Kuminga has been with the Warriors for five seasons, but his time there has not been smooth. He has never really fit into Steve Kerr’s system and has often found himself coming off the bench.
His restricted free agency was a drawn-out affair that extended into training camp. He eventually signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract that included a team option – a detail he reportedly felt pushed into accepting. The process left both sides feeling frustrated.
After beginning the season in the starting line-up, Kuminga was moved to the bench after just 13 games. He then missed seven games due to knee tendinitis and has not looked sharp since coming back.
Bill Simmons addresses the main issue currently facing the Golden State Warriors
Once Kuminga becomes eligible for a trade on 15th January, the Warriors are expected to start looking at potential deals.
The ongoing situation with the 23-year-old has lingered over the team for some time now, and a split appears to be in the best interest of both parties.
However, Bill Simmons believes finding a suitable trade partner for Kuminga may not be straightforward.
He also highlighted what he sees as a more pressing concern within the team, this time involving Draymond Green.
“It just couldn’t be worse. And yet, everybody seems to think they can trade him around January 15th.
“Why would anyone trade for [Jonathan] Kuminga? Why would I want to pay him $22 million a year, like the [Warriors] won’t even play him, and they need somebody like him. He’s not even playing anymore.
“Do you feel like Draymond [Green] is at the same level he has been in the past? I don’t either. He’s still really good, but I wonder if that’s a bigger issue for them.
“I think it has more to do with the league just getting so much bigger. Philosophically, the 2017 type of lineup that the Warriors could use, or maybe even the 2015 one, I don’t know if that’s doable anymore, considering the centers we have in the league.
“Like, now it’s: ‘Oh, good. We’re playing Zach Edey tonight,’ or, ‘Here’s Sengun.’ I just don’t think [the small-ball setup] is sustainable in the same way.
“So, you almost need him [Draymond] as a power forward, playing with a center. But if that center can’t shoot either, now you have two non-shooters in a league where everybody loves space.
“I wonder if that’s a bigger issue for them than [Jonathan] Kuminga, whether he plays or doesn’t play, or what to do with his $22 million contract.
“The real problem is figuring out how to unlock that Draymond dynamic.”
Draymond Green’s impact is not what it used to be
Green has been sidelined for the past two games after picking up a right midfoot sprain during the Warriors’ tight defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler both out, Green has had to take on more responsibility than usual, even though he is not fully fit.
Now 35, there are growing questions about whether his performance is beginning to slip. Some observers feel he might not have quite the same energy and shooting ability that he used to rely on.
If Golden State want to make a serious push back into the playoff picture, they will need Green back at his best or will have to start considering a younger option in the middle.
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