The Warriors delivered a 32-point rout of the Bulls, but the real storyline emerged from the end of the bench. Jonathan Kuminga, fully available and expected to contribute, never entered the game—a decision that loomed larger than the blowout itself and left fans wondering what it means for his role moving forward.

Jonathan Kuminga wasn’t sidelined by injury, illness, or anything of the sort. His DNP was a pure coaching decision, and Steve Kerr didn’t shy away from explaining why.

“It happens to everyone in the league—other than the stars,” Kerr said. “Guys move in and out of the rotation based on availability and how the team is playing.”

Kuminga responded with the kind of poise that impressed teammates and media alike.

“We just switched certain things, that’s all,” he said. “I don’t really know how long it’ll be, but if things are working and we’re winning, there’s no reason to change anything.”

Kuminga did start the last game against Cleveland, logging 21 minutes, but managed just 4 points. With the team missing its key stars, it was a perfect chance to prove himself. Unfortunately, he didn’t meet Steve Kerr’s expectations, and as a result, he was bumped to the ‘DNP’ list tonight against the Bulls, leaving him to watch his teammates carry the load.

Pat Spencer got the start and certainly made his mark, earning serious credit after leading the Warriors with 19 points against the Cavaliers last night. Meanwhile, Kuminga has struggled recently, scoring just 21 points over his last three games on 8-of-32 shooting, while also recording six assists and six turnovers.

Brandin Podziemski, who himself had been under fire from critics, delivered his best offensive game since the first week of the season. The third-year guard finished with 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three, along with seven assists and three turnovers.

His biggest moment? An off-the-dribble three-pointer that ended Chicago’s 17-1 run and sparked a 24-2 run for the Warriors. 

Even after the Cavaliers game, when Kuminga scored just four points in 21 minutes, Kerr remained calm and measured. “We’ve got 15 guys on this team and every player goes through ups and downs all year and, um, you know, we’re not going to make this a referendum on JK,” Kerr said.

“Like, we had a great win tonight and, um, some guys, you know, had big nights, some guys struggled a little bit. We won. That’s all that matters.” And indeed, against the Bulls, Kuminga’s absence proved inconsequential, as the Warriors cruised to another victory.

Kuminga’s season hasn’t gone exactly as he or the Warriors expected. He’s averaging 12.4 points (101st), 6.3 rebounds (46th), and 2.6 assists (101st) with a 43.8% shooting clip, numbers that fall short of the high hopes set after the offseason’s contract saga.

The long summer stalemate finally ended when the restricted free agent signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal, opting for shorter-term control instead of a three-year, $75 million contract.

The Warriors kept the team option in place, leaving the door open for both sides to explore trades once Kuminga becomes eligible in January.

And with him sitting out of the rotation, a trade could very well be the next move.

Steve Kerr wants more from Jonathan Kuminga as Warriors weigh trade options

The Warriors have always leaned on stars to carry them to championships. Now, with an aging core of Curry, Green, and Butler, the team needs everyone else to step up, and Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t quite delivered. 

Kerr has been clear about what he wants from the young forward: “JK is always running the floor, take care of the ball. The turnovers have been an issue lately. I’m really urging him to get up the floor instead of holding back and asking for the ball. I want him to be the first guy down the floor, and not the last. I think that’s been an issue the last few games, I don’t think he’s running the floor that well.”

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And if that’s not delivered, a move involving Kuminga is very possible. Golden State could target players like Zach LaVine, who offers scoring and shot creation, or even Myles Turner, a rare frontcourt option who can shoot threes and protect the rim, averaging 2.3 triples and 1.7 blocks per game.

On the other hand, teams looking to rebuild might value Kuminga highly, giving the Warriors a potential opportunity to trade him for immediate talent.

Rumors have even floated blockbuster ideas, like a potential deal with the Bucks: the Warriors could send Draymond Green, Kuminga, Podziemski, and some future first-round picks in exchange for Thanasis and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Deals like this aren’t simple, and negotiations would be complicated, but the point is clear: Golden State’s window to win with Curry and Green isn’t going to wait. 

With expectations high and the deadline looming, the next month could decide whether Kuminga finds his footing in the rotation or on another team entirely.