Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently opened up about the challenges of managing Jonathan Kuminga’s minutes in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s arrival. Speaking to the media, Kerr acknowledged the difficulties of balancing rotations and optimizing lineups, particularly when the combination of Butler and Kuminga on the court has not yielded the desired results.
Kerr’s comments shed light on the tricky situation the Warriors face as they navigate the playoffs.
“I have to read what we need. I have to read who’s playing well together. And to be very frank, the Jimmy / JK (Kuminga) combination has not been great and that’s the tricky part here,” Kerr said. “And I’m playing Jimmy 40 minutes a night because Jimmy is, he’s one of the very best players in the league.”
“I have to read what we need. I have to read who’s playing well together. And to be very frank, the Jimmy / JK (Kuminga) combination has not been great and that’s the tricky part here. And I’m playing Jimmy 40 minutes a night because Jimmy is, he’s one of the very best players in… pic.twitter.com/vEPBdTCqip
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 18, 2025
The arrival of Butler at the trade deadline has been a game-changer for the Warriors, who have gone 22-8 since his addition. However, integrating Butler into the lineup has come at a cost for Kuminga, whose minutes and role have diminished significantly. The 22-year-old forward, once seen as a key piece of the Warriors’ future, now finds himself on the fringes of the rotation.
Kerr’s decision to prioritize Butler is backed by the team’s performance metrics. The Warriors have thrived with Butler on the court, boasting a net rating of 11.7 when Butler and Draymond Green share the floor. In contrast, the combination of Butler, Green, and Kuminga has struggled, posting a net rating of -14.5. These numbers highlight the spacing and fit issues that have plagued the trio, forcing Kerr to make tough choices.
For Kuminga, the reduced role has been a challenging adjustment. After averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists during the regular season, he has seen his opportunities dwindle in high-stakes games. Despite the setbacks, Kerr praised Kuminga’s professionalism and adaptability, noting that he remains an important part of the team’s plans.
“He still may be a part of the equation in this series and maybe the next series after that,” Kerr said.
The situation has fueled speculation about Kuminga’s long-term future with the Warriors. As a restricted free agent this offseason, Kuminga’s diminished role could lead to questions about his fit within the team’s veteran-heavy core. With Butler, Green, and Stephen Curry under contract for several more years, the Warriors may face difficult decisions about how to balance their present and future priorities.
As the Warriors prepare for their first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets, Kerr’s comments underscore the complexities of managing a roster filled with talent and competing priorities. While Butler’s impact has been undeniable, the challenge of integrating Kuminga and maximizing his potential remains an ongoing storyline.
