Golden State started the season 4-1, but the Warriors have quickly slipped into a 9-8 record, and the locker room tension is palpable. At the center of it all: Jonathan Kuminga. Sources close to the team report that the young forward is frustrated with Steve Kerr’s rotation, feeling demoted and overlooked after being moved to the bench following a string of losses. With expectations high, the shift has reignited old frustrations, making it clear that Golden State is once again teetering on the edge of internal drama.
Kuminga’s struggle isn’t just about minutes; it’s about role and identity. After early-season success, where he was averaging solid points and contributions on both ends of the floor, his performance dipped as turnovers rose and defensive lapses crept in. The Warriors, desperate for consistency, opted to shuffle the rotation, inserting Moses Moody and Will Richardson into the starting lineup alongside Draymond Green, returning to a small-ball configuration that has yielded wins. But for Kuminga, the bench feels like a step back, and sources say he feels like a scapegoat, even as the team battles a series of tight losses.
Adding fuel to the fire is Kuminga’s knee tendinitis, keeping him out of recent games. While this absence hampers his ability to market himself for potential trades — the Warriors plan to explore options for him once trade eligibility opens on January 15 — it also means he cannot help Golden State improve its on-court performance. In a season already marked by injuries and inconsistency, every missing piece is magnified, and Kuminga’s absence is no exception.
Despite the frustration, there are voices within the team working to guide Kuminga through this rough patch. Jimmy Butler, who has experienced similar growing pains during his early career, has been actively mentoring the young forward. “Can you imagine being in his shoes?” Butler said. “The worst feeling is not knowing if you’re wanted here or not. I’ve been there. I get it.” Butler has taken Kuminga under his wing, inviting him over for dinners, talking basketball strategy, and trying to instill a winning mindset. The hope is that with guidance from a respected veteran, Kuminga can channel his talent effectively, whether on the court or as a trade asset.
Draymond Green has also been supportive, emphasizing that Kuminga’s impact is still valuable even in a bench role. “Feature him,” Green said. “That’s what he needs. It takes time, but he’s going to help us win an effing ton of games.” The combination of mentorship and encouragement from seasoned leaders is critical as the Warriors attempt to stabilize their rotation and maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference.
The challenge for Golden State is balancing short-term wins with long-term planning. Kuminga’s performance in the coming months will not only affect his trade value but also the team’s chemistry. For a roster dealing with injuries and a rollercoaster start, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Warriors must manage egos, injuries, and expectations while trying to reclaim the form that made them championship contenders.
Ultimately, the message from inside the team is clear: Kuminga must buy in, focus on winning, and get back to the level he showed at the start of the season. If he does, Golden State can weather this storm. If not, the locker room tension may grow, and the drama could spill into the season in a way that threatens their playoff aspirations. For fans, the next few weeks will be critical — not just for wins and losses, but for the fate of one of the team’s most talented, yet frustrated, young stars.
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