SAN FRANCISCO – Jonathan Kuminga has returned to the Warriors’ rotation, occupying a place as sturdy as a late-game Jenga tower.
He started the season because the unquestioned starter subsequent to Jimmy Butler, missed seven video games with harm, got here again and produced lackluster outcomes and was then yanked from Steve Kerr’s rotation fully for 3 video games earlier than taking part in 10 minutes in a loss at Phoenix on Thursday.
Kuminga scored two factors on 1 of 5 capturing, but additionally grabbed 4 rebounds in his restricted motion.
“He was good, and we wanted him to get out there and use his speed and athleticism, set screens and dive, and he had a good pass to Gui (Santos) in the pocket,” Kerr mentioned. “It was good to see him back out there, and like I’ve said, he’s handled himself really well this last week, and I wanted to reward that.”
Kuminga’s return to the rotation may very well be short-lived, as he was listed on Saturday’s harm report as questionable with an sickness.
His winding Warriors saga has entered one other, probably last chapter, because the Jan. 15 commerce date – the earliest he could be traded since he signed a $46 million extension in the summertime – and Feb. 5 commerce deadline strategy.
Each Kerr and Kuminga have publicly said that they’ve an amicable relationship, however after 5 seasons, a break up may profit all events.
He’s the staff’s greatest commerce chip, and nationwide media retailers have reported that groups such because the Kings and Pelicans possess curiosity within the 23-year-old.
The Warriors might even have curiosity in making a transfer, and never simply to lastly separate themselves from Kuminga.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported on 95.7 The Recreation that the staff may very well be keen to commerce what are anticipated to be post-Steph Curry period first-round picks for a right away contributor, ought to the staff seem one choose away from rivalry.
However proper now, the Warriors seem gentle years away from being on the extent of the remainder of the NBA’s elite. They entered Saturday’s matchup towards the Suns with a 13-15 document and on a three-game shedding streak.
Hypothetically, Kuminga would supply the scale (6-foot-7) and athleticism the staff desperately wants on each side of the ball. However in actuality, Kuminga has solely flashed the passing, defensive and in-structure scoring chops the Warriors need.
In February, the Warriors turned their season round by making a transfer for Butler, delivery off Andrew Wiggins to Miami. A yr later, it may very well be one other Golden State wing who’s the centerpiece of a season-changing transfer.
Extra harm updates
Al Horford (sciatica) remained out for the sixth consecutive recreation. Although the staff introduced that the sciatica is not a difficulty, Kerr mentioned the 39-year-old will want at the very least per week to “ramp up” his conditioning.
Horford has performed in simply 13 video games this season. In the meantime, Seth Curry was dominated out with a glute harm.
Unapologetic Suns guard Dillon Brooks earned a flagrant foul late in Thursday’s recreation when he struck Steph Curry within the midsection lengthy after the shooter’s 3-point shot within the nook had been launched.
Whereas that may stay on his resume, the technical foul he earned by moving into a quick confrontation with Moses Moody was rescinded by the league after an investigation, the NBA introduced Saturday morning.
Brooks now has solely a league-leading eight technical fouls and only one flagrant foul on the season.
