Despite the Warriors being shorthanded with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford’s absence, high-flying forward Jonathan Kuminga gets “DNP” all over again by head coach Steve Kerr.
This was during Golden State’s blowout win against the Chicago Bulls, 123-91, on Sunday.
Kuminga shared with reporters that it was nothing personal regarding his DNP, but Spears believes that the 23-year-old deserves a team that will utilize his potential.
“Free JK. You could see it in his eyes. He’s trying to be professional, I mean, it’s still several weeks away before he’s eligible to be traded, and it just started off so well. He averaged 15 points and seven rebounds the first 12 games. Then he got hurt, and just like last season, after he came back from injury, just doesn’t mesh well with the Warriors,” Spears said on NBA Today.
The 6-foot-7 swingman earned praise early in the season after he signed a two-year contract worth $46,800,000, followed by being injured in his knee on November 12, then returned to action on November 29.
Ever since his return, he averaged a dismal 7.8 points with 30% from the field.
“Kuminga is at a number at $24 million where, you know, perhaps they could get a better player. Or they’re going to have to get a bigger-name player, probably than before, because of that number. So that will help the Warriors out,” he added.
The NBA champion will be eligible for trade on January 15, as the Warriors still have weeks to discuss their next move, given their inconsistent winning momentum.
