Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr Reveals Honest Thoughts on Playoff Elimination 2 Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (left) handles the ball against Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (right) during the first quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

'Why Hasn’t Steve Kerr Embraced This Young Man?' – Golden State Warriors’ Standoff With Jonathan Kuminga Gets Questioned by Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 10:11 AM ET

Former NBA player turned analyst Kendrick Perkins recently called out Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr for how the team has handled Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency this summer.

“He’s gotten better every single season,” Perkins said about Kuminga on NBA Today. “He brings athleticism to the table on both ends of the floor, he’s gotten better offensively…..He’s one of the most athletic guys in the NBA….”

“My question to the Warriors, the organization, and Steve Kerr, is why hasn’t Steve Kerr embraced this young man?” he asked. “That’s what the Warriors need to do. They need to value this young man because he’s elite.”

Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles up court in front of Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are not in a rush to offer Kuminga a new contract, considering the other notable restricted free agents are in a similar situation with their respective teams, such as Quentin Grimes, Cam Thomas, and Josh Giddey.

Golden State Warriors News: Jonathan Kuminga’s agent sets the record straight

Jonathan Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, recently denied claims that his client turned down a viable contract extension offer from the Golden State Warriors before becoming a restricted free agent this offseason.

Steve Kerr's Surprising Jonathan Kuminga Comments Will Excite Warriors Fans 1 Oct 30, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) celebrates a basket during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

“NO one on our side was turning down 30M a year. Our camp is smarter than that. Narrative makes no sense, twisted up Slater’s words I think! #Fakenews,” Turner posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Turner was referring to an old The Athletic article by Anthony Slater, in which the Golden State Warriors reportedly offered Kuminga around $30 million in annual salary last October before the 2024-25 NBA campaign.