The Golden State Warriors' elimination from the NBA Playoffs came in unfortunate fashion when they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. Even getting to the playoffs proved to be an uphill climb. They were as low as the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference before a late-season turnaround helped them make the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Once the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, the chase for a playoff spot was on. They went 23-7 down the stretch and even won their first-round series against the Houston Rockets. However, once Curry injured his hamstring in Game 1 of the semifinals, the Warriors went on to lose the remaining four games.
Warriors predicted to part ways with Jonathan Kuminga
Once Curry went down with the injury, that opened the door for Jonathan Kuminga, who, head coach Steve Kerr benched down the stretch of the regular season. In the final three games of the semifinals, Kuminga averaged 26.33 points per game and showed the ability to get to the rim at will.
In a piece by Athlon Sports' Mark Medina, he highlights a bold prediction regarding the Warriors and Kuminga moving forward. He predicts that Kuminga will leave in a sign-and-trade.
"No more staying patient with Kuminga’s development. No more staying patient with his fluid playing time, either," wrote Medina. "Kuminga and the Warriors will mutually end their partnership following four seasons filled with intrigue about his athleticism, frustration about his inconsistency and scrutiny about whether they’re developing him properly."
While the Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings have been named possible suitors, Medina points out a surprise Eastern Conference team that the Warriors should check in with.
"Instead of giving Kuminga a qualifying offer to make him an unrestricted free agent, the Warriors will entertain sign-and-trade deals. The Athletic reported that both the Heat and Kings are suitors," wrote Medina. "But the Warriors should see if the Celtics will include Derrick White in a deal."
A player like White would be a blessing for the Warriors. A second guard who is good on both the defensive and offensive sides. His shooting ability should be noted, as he made 40% of his 3-point shots on 10.8 attempts per game.
On the other side, the Celtics would bring in Kuminga with Jayson Tatum likely out for much, if not the whole season. If they wanted to attempt to compete this season, Kuminga wouldn't be the worst way to do so.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
