Warriors Rumors: Joe Lacob 'Has an Affinity for' Jonathan Kuminga amid Trade Buzz

Golden State Warriors governor Joe Lacob is reportedly a big fan of fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that Lacob "has an affinity" for Kuminga and believes in his future. However, he did note that the lack of a contract extension this fall shows where the team has limits.

"Warriors owner Joe Lacob still has an affinity for Kuminga, league sources told ESPN, even as Kerr seems to run hot and cold with him," Windhorst wrote. "But a strong message came this fall when Kuminga and the team didn't agree to a contract extension. The sides never got particularly close, sources said, which made it clear that Golden State's belief in his future had its limits, at least for now."

Kuminga is averaging 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22 games for the Warriors this season. This comes after a breakout season in 2023-24 where he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 74 games.

While his production has been solid, the Warriors could potentially move him to improve the roster and make a push to maximize Steph curry and Draymond Green's remaining title window.

The 22-year-old could hold serious trade value for a team looking to deal away a more established veteran and the developing core of Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Moses Moody makes a player like Kuminga more expendable.