Jonathan Kuminga’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors came to an official close on Wednesday when the team traded the 23-year-old forward to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that brought Kristaps Porziņģis to Golden State.
Kuminga, a former G League Ignite player and the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, spent over four seasons with the Warriors, showing flashes of high-level talent but struggling to find consistency. His journey from a promising draft pick to a traded player reflects both the challenges of developing young talent on a championship-contending team and the potential that still lies ahead in his career.
Kuminga’s Early Promise Hampered by Injuries, Inconsistency, and Golden State Championship Focus
During his rookie season, Kuminga played a contributing role in Golden State’s fourth championship run under coach Steve Kerr. He delivered several standout performances in the playoffs, scoring over 17 points in three games. These early flashes suggested he could become a significant player in the Warriors’ rotation.
However, over the next four seasons, Kuminga faced criticism for defensive lapses and inconsistent scoring. Despite his athletic ability, he struggled to secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup as the Warriors prioritized immediate championship goals, particularly during the later stages of Stephen Curry’s prime.
Jonathan Kuminga (NBA)The 2025-26 season highlighted the ongoing challenges in Kuminga’s career. He began the season strongly, starting the first nine games and averaging 17.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range. This performance suggested that Kuminga could finally establish himself as a key player. However, he struggled in the next few games and lost his starting position.
A knee injury caused him to miss seven consecutive games, and upon returning, his performance continued to decline, leading to reduced playing time on the bench. A temporary opening came when Jimmy Butler III suffered an ACL injury, allowing Kuminga to score 20 points in 21 minutes in a loss to the Toronto Raptors. Unfortunately, a bone bruise in his knee limited him again, highlighting the physical and performance-related challenges he faced throughout the season.
Kuminga Gains Fresh Start in Atlanta to Maximize Potential and Playing Opportunities
Golden State’s focus on contending for another championship limited the opportunity for Kuminga to grow at his own pace. Coach Steve Kerr described him as “a tough fit” in Golden State because his development required room to make mistakes, something the team could not afford while pursuing immediate success. Despite these challenges, Kuminga remained well-liked by teammates and staff, showing maturity and professionalism in the locker room.
The trade to Atlanta represents a fresh opportunity for Kuminga to take on a larger role with a team focused on building around younger talent. It offers him a chance to unlock his potential in a system better suited for his development while providing the Hawks with a talented, versatile forward who can contribute immediately.
In the Golden State, Kuminga’s statistics reflected his ups and downs. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 23 minutes per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field. Now, with a clean slate in Atlanta, he has the opportunity to establish himself as a consistent, high-impact player in the NBA.
