Jimmy Butler steps in with advice as Jonathan Kuminga navigates tough Warriors stretch

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Even after agreeing to a new deal this summer, Jonathan Kuminga appears unsettled with his situation at the Golden State Warriors.

Kuminga was widely expected to move on from Golden State this offseason, with contract talks breaking down multiple times before both sides finally found common ground.

He agreed to a two-year deal worth $48.5 million, giving the Warriors a team option for the second season.

This year, Kuminga has started 12 games and is putting up 14 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field.

However, he hasn’t made the jump many were expecting, and questions about his long-term future in Golden State have started to resurface.

Warriors teammate Jimmy Butler has spoken out in support of Kuminga’s struggles and seems empathetic towards what he’s going through.

Jimmy Butler says Jonathan Kuminga is going through a tough period

Jimmy Butler knows what it’s like to play for a team when he’s not sure about his long-term future there. He went through something similar during his time with the Miami Heat.

Butler wants Kuminga to know he has his support and even made a promise to him. He told ESPN: “Can you just imagine being in a place where… are you wanted here or not? That’s the worst feeling, man. Can you imagine it?”

“I had to deal with it at the latter part [of my tenure] in Miami. It’s like, ‘Damn, I’ve been here. What are we talking about?’ It’s a s—ty place to be in. And no matter what you do, you don’t feel like you’re doing right.”

“So he has a lot of feelings, which is OK. I think I just have to stay on him though. Let him know that I am in your corner. We are all in your corner.”

“Just breathe. Breathe. We’re not out to get you,” he said.

Jimmy Butler tells Jonathan Kuminga not to worry about missing training camp

Kuminga didn’t join the Warriors for training camp while he was still sorting out his contract situation.

While some might see that as a selfish decision, most players understand that business comes first in the NBA.

Butler said he told Kuminga there was no need to stress over missing camp and made it clear nobody was upset with him over it.

“Bro, that’s fine,” Butler said. “You’ve got to do what’s best for you. I understand the situation you’re in.”

“I don’t think anybody on the squad has bad blood. I rock with you. I see a lot of myself in you.”