SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors have kept their heads above water in the West. They own the eighth-best record. Their contention plans have hit a major obstacle. Jimmy Butler tore his ACL on Monday evening against Miami, forcing them to reconsider their stance on Jonathan Kuminga.
Warriors Set To Do A 180 On Jonathan Kuminga After Jimmy Butler Injury
Golden State has been a mixed bag this season. Expectations centered on championship contention. The team has shown intent on defense. It owns the league’s fourth-best defense. As a result, the 12th-ranked offense trails.
Stephen Curry carries no blame. He averages 27 points, five assists, and nearly four rebounds. He shoots 47 percent from the field. He shoots 39 percent from three and 93.1 percent from the free-throw line. This is an all-time season from Curry. It may not be enough for the Warriors. On a team lacking consistent scorers, Butler’s season-ending injury pushes the group to the brink.
Kuminga and Kerr: A Fractured Relationship
Former lottery pick, Kuminga and Golden State engaged in a battle of wills during the offseason. That conflict spilled into the season despite Kuminga’s hot start. When his performances declined, head coach Steve Kerr used his familiar method. He benched Kuminga.
It started as an “injury.” It later turned into DNPs for the former lottery pick. He averages just 12 points, six rebounds and over two assists in 25 minutes of action. When Kuminga became trade-eligible on Jan. 25, he submitted a trade request. That seemed like the end of the saga. Or so it appeared.
A Possible Reunion After Butler’s Injury
With Butler’s injury, Kuminga may find a path back to the team. NBA insider Shams Charania referenced this on SportsCenter. “In some shape or form, the Warriors are back on the rollercoaster that is their saga with Jonathan Kuminga and whether they go all in again with Kuminga,” he said. “My sources tell me that the relationship between him and Steve Kerr is fractured beyond repair,” Charania added.
Kuminga’s Role in the Warriors’ Next Move
There is a scenario where Kerr and Kuminga reconcile. They could make the most of a terrible situation. Butler is 36. He is the oldest player in NBA history to tear his ACL. As a result, the Warriors may throw Kuminga back into the rotation. He could emerge as the surprise future of the team.
The Warriors have tried to gauge Kuminga’s trade value. It is higher than it was in the summer. It has not produced offers Golden State likes though. Even if they decide to trade him, Kuminga (finally) will shape how the Warriors respond to Butler’s injury.
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