Jonathan Kuminga Development Surfaces After Warriors Benching

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 7:31 AM ET

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga recently returned from a seven-game absence due to an ankle injury. He played in four straight games before not making an appearance in Sunday’s 123-91 blowout win over the Chicago Bulls.

Kuminga did not have an injury on Sunday. He was healthy but remained on the bench after head coach Steve Kerr decided to remove him from the rotation against Chicago. This is despite the fact that both Steph Curry and Draymond Green were out of the game due to injuries.

Coach Kerr spoke to the media on Wednesday, and he provided an update on Kuminga’s status after the unexpected benching.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) during an NBA game. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Kuminga is currently in his fifth year with the Warriors. In 17 games played this season, the 6-foot-7 forward has produced averages of 12.4 points on 43.8% shooting, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25.6 minutes per contest.

After extended negotiations during the offseason, Kuminga agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with the Warriors, keeping him in Golden State through 2027. He is estimated to earn $23.4 million per season, with the Warriors also holding a team option for 2026-27.

On Wednesday, Kerr acknowledged that it was his decision to bench Kuminga. The four-time NBA champion coach revealed that he has addressed the matter with the 23-year-old, who appears to have responded positively.

“He had a great practice today. We had a talk before practice. He did the things I asked him to do, and I was thrilled about that.

“… I do feel for him that he has been sort of at the whim of my decision-making based on what I want to see from our team.”

Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga: “He had a great practice today. We had a talk before practice. He did the things I asked him to do.”

“I do feel for him that he has been sort of at the whim of my decision making based on what I want to see from our team.” pic.twitter.com/GhHPAkWrob
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 11, 2025

While this was an encouraging update from Kerr, the Warriors coach did not indicate whether he intends to bring Kuminga back into his rotation moving forward.

It is worth noting that Kuminga has been linked to multiple trade rumors lately, and his first-time benching this season has only stoked the flames.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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