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Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green all agree on Jonathan Kuminga’s future
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

Last season, the Golden State Warriors brought in Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline in hopes of sparking a late playoff run.

The team posted a 23-8 record after Butler joined, but it was not enough to avoid the play-in tournament.

Golden State got past Memphis to claim the seventh seed in the West, then knocked out Houston in an opening-round upset.

But their run ended against Minnesota. Stephen Curry injured his hamstring early in that series, and the Timberwolves advanced.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler want the Golden State Warriors ‘to get a deal done’ with Jonathan Kuminga


Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Jonathan Kuminga filled the gap in the second round while Curry was sidelined, putting up 20.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game across the series, including a standout 30-point performance in Game 3. But even with those efforts, it was not enough for Golden State to progress.

Kuminga is now deep into contract talks with Golden State, with his place on the team still not finalised.

But Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that there’s support within the team for keeping him around.

He wrote: “Over the last few weeks, the Warriors veterans – Curry, Green, and Butler – have all communicated with the Dubs’ brain trust to get a deal done, sources said. 

“All three stars want Kuminga back on the roster, as his athleticism, durability, and production can’t be replicated. If lost, Kuminga’s void will be felt throughout the 82-game season.”

Jonathan Kuminga’s potential remains high for the Golden State Warriors

Kuminga’s role under head coach Steve Kerr is still a work in progress. He has not been given a clear spot in the rotation, and his stats have been up and down as a result.

Even so, the 22-year-old has proven he can step up when needed. He dropped 30 points against the Timberwolves in the playoffs and scored back-to-back career-highs of 34 points against the Clippers and Suns last season.

Over 47 games, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while playing just over 24 minutes per game. With more time on the court, those numbers could easily climb.

If Golden State decide to move on from Kuminga, it is a decision they could end up second-guessing down the line.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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