Jonathan Kuminga’s struggles have made him a staple in trade talks. After averaging 5.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last month, fans believe he wants out of Golden State. Despite his underwhelming numbers, Kuminga is arguably the Warriors’ best trade asset.
Draymond Green, via his podcast on Wednesday, opened up about what interested teams could get from his teammate:
“When people try and say, ‘Oh, man, he’s moping around.’ No, no, no. … Whatever happens at the trade deadline, if Jonathan Kuminga’s moved, whoever gets Jonathan Kuminga, that’s the guy you’re getting.”
Green narrated a story where another teammate, Brandin Podziemski, expressed his frustrations after Warriors coach Steve Kerr sent him back to the bench. The combo guard, who sat beside Kuminga, complained about not finding any rhythm due to Kerr’s substitution patterns.
Draymond Green noted that Kuminga, who has struggled to get minutes, calmed down Podziemski. According to Green, the ultra-athletic forward repeatedly encouraged Podziemski to adjust and “just be ready.” The four-time champ continued that Kuminga’s words eventually made the lefty guard understand the situation.
The four-time All-Star is selling high on Jonathan Kuminga’s maturity and locker room leadership as the Feb. 5 trade deadline nears. Despite Kuminga’s struggles and lack of playing time, Green emphasized the 23-year-old forward’s positive outlook.
Jonathan Kuminga has progressively struggled this season
Jonathan Kuminga averaged 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 30.8 minutes per game in October. The Golden State Warriors were 4-2 when the former lottery pick played.
However, Kuminga’s inefficient shooting from deep became too hard to ignore. After making 45.0% of his shots from 3-point distance, the figure plummeted to 22.7% in November. Kuminga’s average also dropped to 10.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 2.3 apg in 24.3 mpg.
The downward trend continued in December when he put up 5.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 1.8 spg. Kuminga shot 24.3%, including 25.0% from behind the arc. Kerr kept him from playing in some games despite being healthy. The multi-titled coach did not want to have Kuminga, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, all inefficient 3-point shooters, on the floor for long stretches.
Wednesday’s showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks was the Warriors’ fourth game in January. Jonathan Kuminga has not played in any of them.
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