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Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have less than three days to decide Jonathan Kuminga‘s future. If he’s still on the roster after the February 5 deadline, head coach Steve Kerr has made his intentions clear.

Kuminga will be right back in the rotation and the Warriors will keep moving forward, Kerr said Monday during an appearance on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard and Dibs.” Jimmy Butler‘s season-ending injury changed everything for Golden State and for Kuminga specifically.

“With Jimmy’s injury it changes everything for us, and for JK, and it was good to have him back in the lineup and in the rotation,” Kerr said. “Now that Jimmy is out, we’ll see what happens with the trade deadline. But if nothing happens, JK is right back in the rotation and we keep moving forward.”

The statement provides clarity on Kuminga’s role if the Warriors don’t include him in a blockbuster deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo or another target. Kerr isn’t planning to bring him back just to bench him again. If Kuminga stays, he plays.

No Personality Clashes Between Kerr and Kuminga

Kerr pushed back on any suggestion that personality issues existed between him and Kuminga. The two have always gotten along well, Kerr said. There have never been any issues on that front.

The tension was really about playing time, Kerr explained. The door is wide open for Kuminga now with the injuries Golden State has dealt with. Kerr hopes to get him back healthy and hopes he can continue playing like he did in the couple games when he returned to the rotation before his knee injury.

Kuminga put up 15 points per game on 76.9 percent shooting in the two games he played in January after Kerr brought him back following Butler’s ACL tear. He was really good in those appearances before suffering a bone bruise in his left knee on January 22 against the Dallas Mavericks.

The injury has kept him sidelined for four straight games. He’s been ruled out for Tuesday’s home matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Whether he returns before the deadline or after it depends on how quickly the bone bruise heals.

The Butler Injury Changed Everything for the Warriors

Golden State is 2-4 since losing Butler. Kerr has used a variety of lineups to fill his rotation role, and the team is still figuring out how to function without its veteran two-way forward.

“We’re having to reinvent ourselves a little bit without Jimmy, you’ve already seen,” Kerr said. “I think we’ve played five games without him and you’re seeing some differences in style of play and combinations and that sort of thing. So JK is definitely going to be a part of that and I’m anxious to get him back and I know he’s anxious to get back.”

Butler’s injury created immediate need for Kuminga’s minutes. Before that, the 23-year-old was out of the rotation entirely after weeks of DNPs in December. Kuminga demanded a trade on January 15, frustrated by his lack of playing time and his fractured relationship with Kerr.

Butler going down forced both sides into an awkward situation. The Warriors needed Kuminga’s athleticism and scoring. Kuminga still wanted out but had no choice but to play when called upon. He performed well in his limited opportunities before the knee injury sidelined him.

What Happens Next

It remains to be seen if Kuminga is still on the Warriors roster by Thursday night. Golden State has been heavily linked to Giannis trade talks, and any deal for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar would almost certainly include Kuminga as part of the package.

If the Warriors land Antetokounmpo, Kuminga’s future resolves itself. He gets moved to Milwaukee alongside other pieces like Draymond Green or Brandin Podziemski and significant draft capital.

If Golden State doesn’t make a blockbuster move, Kerr’s comments provide a roadmap. Kuminga returns to the rotation. The Warriors move forward with their current roster. The awkwardness between player and coach gets addressed through playing time rather than a trade.

Whether that’s sustainable long-term is a different question. Kuminga requested a trade because he wanted a fresh start and consistent role elsewhere. Getting reinserted into the rotation doesn’t change the fact that he spent weeks as a healthy DNP in December.

But Kerr emphasized the door is wide open now. Butler’s absence created opportunity that didn’t exist before. If Kuminga can stay healthy and productive, he could rebuild trust with the coaching staff and salvage his future in Golden State.

The Warriors’ Deadline Calculus

The Warriors sit at 27-23 and eighth in the Western Conference. They desperately need production to replace what Butler provided before his injury. Kuminga represents internal reinforcement if he returns healthy.

General manager Mike Dunleavy has insisted he won’t move Kuminga unless the value is right. Kerr’s comments suggest Golden State has reconciled with the possibility of keeping him through the deadline if a Giannis trade doesn’t materialize.

That would require repairing the relationship between player and coach. Kerr saying there were never personality clashes is one step in that direction. Guaranteeing Kuminga a rotation role if he stays is another.

Whether Kuminga believes those assurances after spending December on the bench is uncertain. But with three days until the deadline, both sides might not have a choice. If Milwaukee decides to wait until summer or if the Bucks demand a package Golden State won’t give up, Kuminga remains a Warrior.

Final Word

Kerr’s comments eliminate any ambiguity about Kuminga’s role if he isn’t traded. He’ll play. He’ll be part of the rotation. The Warriors will move forward with him in the lineup.

That’s good news for Golden State if they keep him. They need his athleticism and scoring ability to offset Butler’s absence. Keeping Kuminga on the bench while trying to stay competitive in the playoff race makes no sense.

It’s also good news for Kuminga, assuming he believes Kerr will follow through. Getting guaranteed rotation minutes addresses his primary complaint about being in Golden State. If the playing time is there, maybe the relationship can work.

But the next three days will likely determine whether any of this matters. If the Warriors land Giannis, Kuminga’s future in Golden State ends regardless of Kerr’s assurances. If they stand pat, both sides get another chance to make this partnership work.

Kuminga is anxious to get back on the court, according to Kerr. The Warriors are anxious to have him back given their injury situation. Whether that mutual need translates into long-term success or just delays an inevitable separation remains to be seen. The February 5 deadline will provide the first answer to that question.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins