Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob remains a staunch supporter of forward Jonathan Kuminga, even as questions linger about his long-term future with the franchise.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, Lacob has an enduring appreciation for Kuminga, despite the organization’s mixed signals regarding his role and potential.
Kuminga, now in his fourth season, is playing out the final year of his rookie contract worth $24.9 million. The 22-year-old and the Warriors were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension this offseason, a situation that raised doubts about the team’s confidence in his future contributions.
Sources told ESPN that the two sides “never got particularly close” in negotiations, signaling a potential cap on the team’s investment in Kuminga.
On the court, Kuminga has shown flashes of growth, averaging 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 25 minutes per game this season.
However, his role under head coach Steve Kerr has been inconsistent. League insiders suggest that Kerr’s fluctuating trust in Kuminga has been a recurring issue. The 6-foot-7 forward has often been used in spurts, balancing moments of brilliance with stretches where he struggles to find consistent minutes.
Lacob’s continued belief in Kuminga stands in contrast to the team’s cautious approach. While the Warriors have not committed to Kuminga long-term, Lacob’s endorsement could play a pivotal role in shaping the forward’s future with the team.
