Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been fined $35,000, the NBA announced on Thursday in an official press release shared via Twitter.
According to the league, Kuminga received the fine for “making inappropriate contact with and continuing to pursue a game official.”
The incident happened late in the second quarter of Tuesday’s preseason matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers and led to the 23-year-old being ejected from the game.
The player was visibly frustrated after driving to the basket and missing a layup, believing he was fouled on the play.
He immediately approached referee Rodney Mott to protest the no-call. As reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Kuminga later clarified that his reaction was fueled by concern over contact to the same ankle he injured last season.
Despite the confrontation, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed understanding for the forward’s intensity.
He told reporters after the game that he “didn’t mind the ejection at all” and valued the “fire” and “passion” Kuminga brought to the floor.
It appears Kerr was referring strictly to Kuminga’s competitive energy and likely wasn’t aware that physical contact had been made with the official.
The $35,000 fine will be less impactful on Kuminga’s overall salary than it would have been a year ago.
After earning about $7.6MM during the final season of his rookie contract in 2024/25, the former No. 7 overall pick is now making $22.5MM in 2025/26 under his new deal.
Jonathan Kuminga Fined $35K By NBA https://t.co/LvEplMW3LL
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 16, 2025
