The Golden State Warriors have had a great season thus far as they try to make another championship run.
Of course, the Warriors had a difficult start to the season but that all changed when they acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat at the trade deadline.
With the addition of Butler alongside their star duo of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Golden State was able to make a second-half playoff push and they have carried their momentum into the playoffs.
The Warriors currently lead the Houston Rockets in their first-round series 3-2 with a chance to clinch the series on Friday night to advance and face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.
While Butler’s addition to the team has been a major one thus far, his addition has also had an impact on one of Golden State’s key young players.
That player is Jonathan Kuminga, who head coach Steve Kerr has benched since the final game of the regular season due to his fit next to Butler in the rotation.
Because of his benching, Kuminga’s future in Golden State is now in question and Warriors insider Anthony Slater provided an update on his future on Wednesday.
“Joe Lacob was part of the Jonathan Kuminga draft and they still value Kuminga long-term,” Slater said. “They're not handing him the ball because Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry are out there most of the time. They'd rather have guys out there that master the small stuff.”
While the Warriors may value Kuminga long-term like Slater said, it will be an interesting story to follow heading into the summer.
Of course, Kuminga is a restricted free agent in the offseason and with his playing time now slim to none, Golden State may not be willing to offer him the contract that he wants which could potentially lead to a sign-and-trade.
Despite this, Kuminga is still one of Golden State’s best young players but with his lack of playing time since Butler arrived, his days in The Bay may be limited.
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