Jonathan Kuminga’s $48.5M Deal Gets Harsh Kawhi Leonard Reality Check Amid Uncertain Future

“You could have locked in 100 plus for four years back then, and now, essentially, you’re getting the same money just for a year. Yeah, they could rip it up and give you a new deal for sure… They put him in a chokehold for sure. We said we’re going to rip it up. Yeah, you’re a free agent,” Teague continued.

Even with the deal being finalized, one of the Club 52o co-hosts still expressed that Kuminga faces a significant challenge ahead. “He put a lot of pressure on himself. He got to perform this year,” he said, reminding him that Kuminga has to either justify the team’s faith in him or risk release or an unfavorable trade.

Jonathan Kuminga’s chance to prove his worth will be limited. Every performance in the next season will be amplified as the team decides whether to exercise its option or find alternate roster moves. In short, this deal secures the financial reward Kuminga wanted, but in a high-risk, high-reward mode.

Unsurprisingly, the 22-year-old was also a topic of discussion on media day (before inking the deal). Aware of the domino effect that the Dubs reportedly intend on pulling off, Stephen Curry simply said, “When he’s here, ready to work, we expect him to be locked in on doing what he needs to do to help us win.”

How the Golden State Warriors Can Use Jonathan Kuminga in Their Rotation

Golden State’s rotation going into the 2025-26 season is anchored by its veteran core, but the Dubs see Kuminga as a player whose explosiveness and energy can shift games. Over the past two years, he has settled around the 25 minutes per game mark and will most likely remain the primary option for backup power forward behind Jimmy Butler, barring injuries. The team values his ability to shift the tempo, especially in lineups needing transition scoring and defensive versatility.

Within Head Coach Steve Kerr’s system, Kuminga’s role will be tied to his decision-making abilities. The Warriors have always relied on ball movement and spacing under Kerr, and despite Kuminga being a good slasher and cutter, he needs to develop his ability to utilize his athleticism with better reads on when to attack or pass the ball to his teammates. If he can strike the balance, he could become a trusted piece in closing lineups during good matchups.

Strategically, the Bay must also recognize that this season serves as an audition for Kuminga’s long-term place on the team. Their team has leaned older in contention, but Kuminga is among the few young players with upside they cannot afford to lose for nothing. His performance will determine whether the Golden State Warriors’ commitment to him remains or if he’s flipped down the line.

What is your prediction?