Jonathan Kuminga is heading toward restricted free agency. The explosive forward has struggled to nail down a spot within the Golden State Warriors’ rotation since being drafted in 2021. 

Jonathan Kuminga has to escape Golden State this summer

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Kuminga’s struggle has always been that he’s a high-level talent on a roster that doesn’t have time for player development. It’s the same issue that Moses Moody has continually run into.

The only reason Brandin Podziemski is thriving is that he plays multiple positions and plugs gaps within the rotation.

Furthermore, the addition of Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline all but made Kuminga’s presence on the Warriors roster redundant.

It’s no surprise that the 22-year-old is glued to the bench now that the postseason has begun. There’s too much crossover between him and Butler, and there was only ever going to be one winner of that battle.

Despite his limited playing time, Steve Kerr is urging Kuminga to stay ready.

Will Warriors' forward Jonathan Kuminga have a role in the playoffs?

“Jonathan [Kuminga] has been fantastic,” Kerr said on Tuesday “…I’ve told him, and our coaches have told him things can change in a heartbeat in the NBA.

He’s got to just be ready for when his time comes and that’s exactly what he’s doing. I would be surprised if at some point his time doesn’t come.”

From a basketball standpoint, Kuminga is still in his formative years. He’s spent his first few seasons learning from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Now, he needs consistent playing time if he’s going to reach his ceiling and potentially become an All-Star. It’s clear that a consistent role within Kerr’s rotation isn’t in the cards.

As such, Kuminga must explore his options in the summer. He’s been a good soldier for the Warriors. He’s kept quiet (mostly) and waited for his opportunities, only to have a new All-Star air-dropped into the starting spot in front of him.

While it’s unlikely the Warriors allow Kuminga to sign elsewhere without matching an offer sheet, a sign-and-trade is possible.

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It’s time Kuminga goes to a situation that can afford him the room to grow that he needs. Somewhere like the Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers or Chicago Bulls would make sense.

At times, Kuminga has shone for the Warriors. His two-way upside makes him a desirable talent on any rebuilding roster. If he can navigate his way out of the Bay Area, it won’t be long until he’s making waves in the league. For now, though, all he can do is remain professional and bide his time. His exit should be coming up pretty soon.