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Kendrick Perkins details why Warriors need Jonathan Kuminga

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 7:25 PM ET

Golden State is an older team with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, but it needs youth to run with these emerging contenders in the Western Conference.

Jonathan Kuminga, a former first-round pick of the 2021 NBA Draft, spent his first four seasons with the Warriors.

The talented forward helped the franchise to an NBA Championship in the 2021-22 season; however, he got better in the last two years — averaging double figures in scoring. Kuminga totaled 15.3 points per game last season. The 22-year-old would love to remain in the bay area, but he is also listening to offers from other teams. Kendrick Perkins, a 2008 NBA champion, explained on ESPN why Golden State needs to hang on to Kuminga. Perkins thinks Kuminga’s overall game is important.

“That’s what the Warriors need to do. They need to value this young man because he’s elite.”@KendrickPerkins shares his thoughts on Jonathan Kuminga pic.twitter.com/FCQLPtjQ7d

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 24, 2025

“They need to value this young man because he’s elite,” Perkins said about Kuminga.

He gives Golden State a scoring, rebounding, and defensive threat. Kuminga provides the Warriors with youth on the floor in transition, youth to dominate on defense, and youth in the postseason. He also has championship experience with the team.

We will see if Golden State values Kuminga enough to make him a big offer.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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