The latest twist in the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga saga with the Golden State Warriors isn’t causing any issues for the team on the court.
Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s 126-113 win over the New York Knicks, Stephen Curry explained that Kuminga’s situation is “not a distraction at all” because it will “resolve itself one way or the other.”
Draymond Green echoed Curry’s sentiments, saying “confidently” it won’t be any sort of distraction because Kuminga ” is not a distraction.”
Despite most of the chatter around the Warriors being centered around Kuming at the moment, Curry expressed optimism about where the team stands with 10 wins in their last 14 games to move up to eighth in the Western Conference.
Before Thursday’s game, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported Kuminga “demanded” a trade from the Warriors. The news broke on the first day that he was eligible to be traded after signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract in September.
It’s not a surprise that Kuminga once again wants out of Golden State. He hasn’t appeared in a game since Dec. 18, and his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr has seemed icy at times.
Kuminga looked like he was going to have a breakout year when the regular season began. The 23-year-old averaged 17.2 points on 51.4 percent shooting (41.4 percent from three), 7.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in his first nine starts.
Since Nov. 7, though, Kuminga has only played in nine games. He’s averaging 6.3 points on 31.1 percent shooting, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists during this span.
The Warriors have found their footing recently thanks in large part to an extended homestand. They have won four of their last five games, all at Chase Center. They will remain at home for their next three games, starting with Saturday’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
