Shams: Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract to return to the Golden State Warriors

[TB]

Stephen Curry / Brandon Podziemski / Seth Curry
Buddy Hield / Moses Moody
Jimmy Butler / Gui Santos
Draymond Green / Jonathan Kuminga
Al Horford / Trayce Jackson-Davis / Quinten Post

Buddy is not starting over Podz (or Melton or Moody).

It will almost certainly be:

Steph / Melton / Seth
Podz / Buddy / GP2
Jimmy / Moody / Richard
Dray / Kuminga / Santos
Horford / Post / Trayce

Tons of lineup options throughout the season. Tons of age/injury/athleticism issues. Tons of flexibility with trades come January.

Overall its been another very smart and predictable offseason of moves for Dun Jr. He’s been much better than Myers last half of his tenure.

Didn't know you got Melton but that's a good choice. Hield would start over Melton though (the latter is a vet min guy although solid in what he can provide). Backup PG is a major weakness for the Warriors. If Podz isn't helping out it's going to be worrying

Totally agree on the backup PG issue (i really wanted Monte Morris over Seth, but he made a great decision going to Indy). And to your point, why guys like Melton/Podz/Seth will sort of be backup PG by committee. Which 1) is a bit scary considering Steph is so old and misses alot of games. But 2) kind of works since they have 2 great point forwards in Jimmy and Dray.

Melton is the most natural fit with Steph style wise, but his injury history will keep him as a reserve. I think if it wasnt for injuries he’s a legit full MLE type of player. But because of his situation + Podz impressive start to career as a connector next to the vets (and failure as backup PG last year), it will definitely be him starting.

Buddy is great to have as a rotation guy but I think Kerr knows you don’t want to be relying on him every day for defense and consistent scoring. We learned that with Klay and Buddy the last few years.

[Old_Blue]

From the San Jose Mercury News, an absolutely blistering review of Aaron Turner's representation of Kuminga:

Kuminga’s agent fumbled negotiations with Warriors, drew ire of Curry

Aaron Turner got his name out there but he overplayed his hand and that of his client, Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/30/kurtenbach-jonathan-kuminga-agent-warriors-contract/

[ShootersShoot]

Buddy is not starting over Podz (or Melton or Moody).

It will almost certainly be:

Steph / Melton / Seth
Podz / Buddy / GP2
Jimmy / Moody / Richard
Dray / Kuminga / Santos
Horford / Post / Trayce

Tons of lineup options throughout the season. Tons of age/injury/athleticism issues. Tons of flexibility with trades come January.

Overall its been another very smart and predictable offseason of moves for Dun Jr. He’s been much better than Myers last half of his tenure.

Didn't know you got Melton but that's a good choice. Hield would start over Melton though (the latter is a vet min guy although solid in what he can provide). Backup PG is a major weakness for the Warriors. If Podz isn't helping out it's going to be worrying

Totally agree on the backup PG issue (i really wanted Monte Morris over Seth, but he made a great decision going to Indy). And to your point, why guys like Melton/Podz/Seth will sort of be backup PG by committee. Which 1) is a bit scary considering Steph is so old and misses alot of games. But 2) kind of works since they have 2 great point forwards in Jimmy and Dray.

Melton is the most natural fit with Steph style wise, but his injury history will keep him as a reserve. I think if it wasnt for injuries he’s a legit full MLE type of player. But because of his situation + Podz impressive start to career as a connector next to the vets (and failure as backup PG last year), it will definitely be him starting.

Buddy is great to have as a rotation guy but I think Kerr knows you don’t want to be relying on him every day for defense and consistent scoring. We learned that with Klay and Buddy the last few years.

Melton was starting last season before he tore his acl. I think he will be fine as the backup point guard. Jimmy and green can facilitate no prob and melton is a fantastic spot up guy. If they have to go without steph for long stretches though, they are screwed.

Podz played well in the second half of the season after the big trade:
34 games, 29mpg, 14.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.6apg, 41% from three on 6 attempts, 59.4%TS.
Yea he crapped the bed in the playoffs, but it was literally his first playoffs at 22 years old. He also needed surgery right after so I will give him a pass on the POs for now. If buddy would start over him kerr would have done it last season..no question podz clearly starts over hield. Podz is another guy who can be a secondary ball handler type.

[TB]

Didn't know you got Melton but that's a good choice. Hield would start over Melton though (the latter is a vet min guy although solid in what he can provide). Backup PG is a major weakness for the Warriors. If Podz isn't helping out it's going to be worrying

Totally agree on the backup PG issue (i really wanted Monte Morris over Seth, but he made a great decision going to Indy). And to your point, why guys like Melton/Podz/Seth will sort of be backup PG by committee. Which 1) is a bit scary considering Steph is so old and misses alot of games. But 2) kind of works since they have 2 great point forwards in Jimmy and Dray.

Melton is the most natural fit with Steph style wise, but his injury history will keep him as a reserve. I think if it wasnt for injuries he’s a legit full MLE type of player. But because of his situation + Podz impressive start to career as a connector next to the vets (and failure as backup PG last year), it will definitely be him starting.

Buddy is great to have as a rotation guy but I think Kerr knows you don’t want to be relying on him every day for defense and consistent scoring. We learned that with Klay and Buddy the last few years.

Melton was starting last season before he tore his acl.

Podz played well in the second half of the season after the big trade:
34 games, 29mpg, 14.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.6apg, 41% from three on 6 attempts, 59.4%TS.
Yea he crapped the bed in the playoffs, but it was literally his first playoffs at 22 years old. He also needed surgery right after so I will give him a pass on the POs for now.

Yup, Melton and Podz are both capable starters next to Steph. Melton, in theory, is the better fit because of his POA defense while Steph gets older, but due to injuries and Podz trajectory it makes sense to keep Podz as the starting SG and work Melton back into the rotation without over-doing it. Plus with Podz starting he has Jimmy/Dray/Horford backing him up on defense while guys like Melton/GP2/Moody can balance out the defense of a 2nd unit that lacks interior defending.

[ShootersShoot]

Totally agree on the backup PG issue (i really wanted Monte Morris over Seth, but he made a great decision going to Indy). And to your point, why guys like Melton/Podz/Seth will sort of be backup PG by committee. Which 1) is a bit scary considering Steph is so old and misses alot of games. But 2) kind of works since they have 2 great point forwards in Jimmy and Dray.

Melton is the most natural fit with Steph style wise, but his injury history will keep him as a reserve. I think if it wasnt for injuries he’s a legit full MLE type of player. But because of his situation + Podz impressive start to career as a connector next to the vets (and failure as backup PG last year), it will definitely be him starting.

Buddy is great to have as a rotation guy but I think Kerr knows you don’t want to be relying on him every day for defense and consistent scoring. We learned that with Klay and Buddy the last few years.

Melton was starting last season before he tore his acl.

Podz played well in the second half of the season after the big trade:
34 games, 29mpg, 14.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.6apg, 41% from three on 6 attempts, 59.4%TS.
Yea he crapped the bed in the playoffs, but it was literally his first playoffs at 22 years old. He also needed surgery right after so I will give him a pass on the POs for now.

Yup, Melton and Podz are both capable starters next to Steph. Melton, in theory, is the better fit because of his POA defense while Steph gets older, but due to injuries and Podz trajectory it makes sense to keep Podz as the starting SG and work Melton back into the rotation without over-doing it. Plus with Podz starting he has Jimmy/Dray/Horford backing him up on defense while guys like Melton/GP2/Moody can balance out the defense of a 2nd unit that lacks interior defending.

I think both have an argument to start and either would be fine me thinks. I think podz has earned it for now. If he struggles to start the season then I can see melton getting a shot.

Back to kuminga, well they could do worse at backup pf. I think there will be suitable trade partners at some point.

[Black Jack]

Please, play Kuminga when Curry and Jimmy are off the court like 10-15 mins a game. Let him be primary scorer, show what he can do, so we can flip him and assets for a mid career player that fits Curry/Dray/Jimmy

[PlatinumState]

This is what I expected from the beginning and right about what he's worth. Lets see if he's motivated and if Kerr actually wants to start him

[The-Power]

overpay for what he provides.

What he provides is a salary slot that can be used to trade for a player who can help us more on the court. He's paid perfectly for that.

[Uncle Mxy]

Kuminga could have held out for less money.

[slicedbread2]

I will forever be in disbelief that this moron turned down $150M! What an idiot. The Warriors were morons for offering him that deal when his fit was questionable at best and managed to dodge a bullet.

The second Butler came into town it was the end for Kuminga. Honestly it's gonna be interesting to see where he ends up because his days in the bay have been numbered for some time.

[dhsilv2]

Warriors got played. Hopefully this puts an official end to their attempted two timelines joke.

The butler deal did that.

[The Servant]

Warriors won a title in 2022 due to Steph's greatness but man, they screwed up this 2 timeline BS.

Valuing Kuminga like an allstar but giving him DNPs in the playoffs and only playing him when you get an injury. Make it make sense lol

Light years ahead stuff... You wouldn't get it...

Also lol @ 25m/year for 15/4/2 on 53% TS (League average at his position is 58% so he is 5% less efficient than league average), with 5 rebounds per 36 at power forward...

overpay for what he provides.

What he provides is a salary slot that can be used to trade for a player who can help us more on the court. He's paid perfectly for that.

Who is going to give up a meaningful player for a "prospect" with no upside left after year 4? He is below average in rebounding, efficiency, is shooting just 30% from 3. He kinda is who he is at this point. I don't see him being traded for anything that moves the needle.

[HMFFL]

he is getting shipped in Jan. We are basically paying him to keep the salary high enough to bring back a meaningful player that can help Steph's chance to win.

Time will tell if your front office actually brings in talent. The FO needs to do better!

[The-Power]

overpay for what he provides.

What he provides is a salary slot that can be used to trade for a player who can help us more on the court. He's paid perfectly for that.

Who is going to give up a meaningful player for a "prospect" with no upside left after year 4? He is below average in rebounding, efficiency, is shooting just 30% from 3. He kinda is who he is at this point. I don't see him being traded for anything that moves the needle.

There are plenty of players that are decent but overpaid or decent but not much more than neutral value on their deals. Kuminga as an expiring should count at least as neutral value in a trade. A team that still likes Kuminga should see him as somewhat positive value (even if not much) with the team option in his contract. Especially if the Warriors are willing to add a draft pick I don't see any issue acquiring a player for that salary who helps the Warriors more. And to be clear: the player just has to be a solid rotation player, playable in the playoffs and better than Kuminga – I'm not expecting anyone special.

[ConSarnit]

Warriors won a title in 2022 due to Steph's greatness but man, they screwed up this 2 timeline BS.

Valuing Kuminga like an allstar but giving him DNPs in the playoffs and only playing him when you get an injury. Make it make sense lol

Light years ahead stuff... You wouldn't get it...

Also lol @ 25m/year for 15/4/2 on 53% TS (League average at his position is 58% so he is 5% less efficient than league average), with 5 rebounds per 36 at power forward...

overpay for what he provides.

What he provides is a salary slot that can be used to trade for a player who can help us more on the court. He's paid perfectly for that.

Who is going to give up a meaningful player for a "prospect" with no upside left after year 4? He is below average in rebounding, efficiency, is shooting just 30% from 3. He kinda is who he is at this point. I don't see him being traded for anything that moves the needle.

At the moment he’s neutral filler salary. Any upgrade is going to cost GSW picks.

[Mamba81p]

Warriors won a title in 2022 due to Steph's greatness but man, they screwed up this 2 timeline BS.

Valuing Kuminga like an allstar but giving him DNPs in the playoffs and only playing him when you get an injury. Make it make sense lol

Light years ahead stuff... You wouldn't get it...

Also lol @ 25m/year for 15/4/2 on 53% TS (League average at his position is 58% so he is 5% less efficient than league average), with 5 rebounds per 36 at power forward...

overpay for what he provides.

What he provides is a salary slot that can be used to trade for a player who can help us more on the court. He's paid perfectly for that.

Who is going to give up a meaningful player for a "prospect" with no upside left after year 4? He is below average in rebounding, efficiency, is shooting just 30% from 3. He kinda is who he is at this point. I don't see him being traded for anything that moves the needle.

Warriors have their picks. What they didn't have was enough salary fillers.

[Twinkie defense]

overpay for what he provides.

He provides a $22.5 mil salary slot to trade

[Twinkie defense]

Stephen Curry / Brandon Podziemski / Seth Curry
Buddy Hield / Moses Moody
Jimmy Butler / Gui Santos
Draymond Green / Jonathan Kuminga
Al Horford / Trayce Jackson-Davis / Quinten Post

Buddy is not starting over Podz (or Melton or Moody).

It will almost certainly be:

Steph / Melton / Seth
Podz / Buddy / GP2
Jimmy / Moody / Richard
Dray / Kuminga / Santos
Horford / Post / Trayce

Tons of lineup options throughout the season. Tons of age/injury/athleticism issues. Tons of flexibility with trades come January.

Overall its been another very smart and predictable offseason of moves for Dun Jr. He’s been much better than Myers last half of his tenure.

Didn't know you got Melton but that's a good choice. Hield would start over Melton though (the latter is a vet min guy although solid in what he can provide). Backup PG is a major weakness for the Warriors. If Podz isn't helping out it's going to be worrying

Point guard depth: Draymond, Steph, Melton, Jimmy, Podz

Re. Melton, his injury is a question mark, but he was starting in the backcourt alongside Curry last season and was tearing it up (the competition and his ACL). Don't sleep on Melton just because he signed for the vet minimum.

[Old_Blue]

In a perverse way, you've got to admire Kuminga's willingness to negotiate in reverse and set fire to a giant pile of cash just to prove that it was possible.

Watch on YouTube

[Twinkie defense]

Podz played well in the second half of the season after the big trade:
34 games, 29mpg, 14.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.6apg, 41% from three on 6 attempts, 59.4%TS.
Yea he crapped the bed in the playoffs, but it was literally his first playoffs at 22 years old. He also needed surgery right after so I will give him a pass on the POs for now. If buddy would start over him kerr would have done it last season..no question podz clearly starts over hield. Podz is another guy who can be a secondary ball handler type.

Podz didn't have a great postseason but as you mention he was injured - he had both core surgery and wrist surgery over the summer. However if not for his brilliant game four vs. Houston - a team-high 40 minutes, 26 points on 9/18 shooting and 6/11 from three, 4 offensive rebounds, 5 assists, and his overall toughness and hustle - Warriors would have lost game 4 and maybe the series.

I think there was a question of whether Podz or Melton would start, assuming Horford's in there and the Warriors don't go small. And now that Melton will miss some games while he finishes his recovery I think Podz definitely gets the nod.

This will be a very good passing team though, they don't need a traditional pass-first point guard.