Steve Kerr Denies Rumors of Fractured Jonathan Kuminga Relationship Amid Warriors Trade Buzz
Amid reports of a fractured relationship between Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga, the Golden State Warriors head coach clarified where he stands with the power forward.
He said that he and Kuminga's relationship "is fine," calling the recent trade request a "difficult situation for everybody."
"Our relationship is fine," Kerr said. "There's not a whole lot I can say about the other stuff. It's just is what it is. Difficult situation for everybody."
Kuminga, who became eligible to be traded on Thursday, reportedly demanded a trade away from the Warriors after months of turmoil. According to The Athletic's Marcus Thompson II, Sam Amick and Nick Friedell, the situation between Kuminga and Golden State "has grown so sour" that the team may not be able to move him before the deadline.
ESPN's Anthony Slater added more details:
"I had one source basically describe the current situation as a 'complete waste of everybody's time,'" Slater reported Thursday on NBA Today. "And I think the term 'everybody' matters there because obviously you have a player that has these ambitious career desires and at this point, feels a little held hostage by the organization."
Kuminga was scratched from the Warriors' Jan. 2 contests because of lower back soreness, but "multiple team sources said they suspect Kuminga wasn't actually hurt," according to The Athletic. One anonymous player told The Athletic that he "wouldn't have played either" because "it's clear the coach doesn't believe in him."
Kuminga has not played since Dec. 18 despite being currently active. The 23-year-old is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in the contests he has appeared in.
The drama this season follows a summer of contract disputes between Kuminga and the Warriors. He ultimately signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract.
That deal came with a club option for the 2026-27 campaign, and it seems more than likely the Warriors won't exercise that option if Kuminga isn't traded before then.
