NBA Rumors: Warriors Won't Trade Jonathan Kuminga; Seen as Important For Steph Curry

Jonathan Kuminga might not be happy with his inconsistent role, but the Golden State Warriors reportedly have no plans to trade the disgruntled forward.

Michael Grange of SportsNet reported the Warriors still view Kuminga as a "potential star" who can "both support Steph Curry in the present and transition to a successful post-Curry future, should it ever come."

Kuminga has found his name in the headlines of late amid growing discontent with his role.

"That's where it's confusing," Kuminga told Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic last month. "Sometimes, I come out the game not knowing what I did. And that messes with my head. It's like, 'What they want me to do?' I can pass and I can do different s--t … I am a difference-maker. I know I am. But it's not up to me to do certain things. How can I say it? It's not up to me to control my minutes. I feel like I've done that.

"But the last voice ain't mine. And it's not easy because I know how to score the basketball. I know how to pass. I know how to do different things on the floor. But it's about putting all that together."

Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic subsequently reported Kuminga has "lost faith" in coach Steve Kerr's handling of his development. The report came after Kerr benched Kuminga for the final 18 minutes of Thursday's loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Kerr and Kuminga had a one-on-one meeting amid the reports, and the 21-year-old attempted to clear the air with reporters after he played 36 minutes in Friday's win over the Detroit Pistons.

"I never complained about playing time or things like that," Kuminga said. "We were just talking about if I do great at something, I should just go back and remind him and let him know, 'Coach, what do I need to get better at?' It's more about communication and better understanding from both of us."

Kuminga is averaging 12.8 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 50.6 percent from the floor in his third NBA season. While he's shown flashes of the talent that's made him a lottery pick, Kuminga's only consistent trait has been his inconsistency. That's resulted in Kerr yo-yoing his minutes at times, as he's prioritized immediate results for his veteran-laden team rather than allowing young players like Kuminga and Moses Moody to grow as they make mistakes.