Michael Malone calls out Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga to end the ego clash before it kills Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are heading into the season facing a challenging situation with Jonathan Kuminga . He recently inked a two-year contract, but doubts about his consistency and how he fits in remain. With Curry and Butler getting older, the team really needs Jonathan Kuminga to rise to the occasion quickly. Will he finally become the dependable third option, or is this just another year of missed opportunities? Fans are keeping a close eye on this situation.
Warriors maintain trade flexibility for Kuminga after January 15 2026The Golden State Warriors took their time with big roster changes during the 2025 offseason, which is different from most NBA teams that jumped into action right after the season ended. The main reason for the delay was figuring out Jonathan Kuminga's contract situation as a restricted free agent.
On October 1, 2025, Jonathan Kuminga signed a two-year deal worth $46.8 million with the Warriors, according to ESPN . This short-term contract means the team can trade him after January 15, 2026, keeping the rumors buzzing.
Jonathan Kuminga, who was picked seventh overall in 2021, has shown he has star potential but has had a hard time being consistent in Steve Kerr 's system. Last season, he averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds but often found himself on the bench until injuries made him a necessity.
The Warriors' strategy of balancing experienced players like Curry and Butler with younger talent relies heavily on Jonathan Kuminga's growth. Meanwhile, a former draft pick, James Wiseman, turned out to be a bust, putting extra pressure on Jonathan Kuminga to step up as a dependable third option.
Kendrick Perkins points out similarities between Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets On October 6, 2025, during ESPN's NBA Countdown, analyst Kendrick Perkins kicked off the conversation by comparing the bond between Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga to Michael Malone 's previous relationship with Michael Porter Jr . on the Nuggets. Perkins noted that both situations share similarities in coaching young forwards as they navigate their growth. Michael Malone, who was dismissed by the Nuggets in April 2025 after a lackluster playoff performance, responded directly.
Speaking to the panel that featured Perkins, Michael Malone remarked, "It comes down to communication," Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga really need to chat about what they both expect from each other. He pointed out that Steve Kerr will have certain expectations for Jonathan Kuminga's role, while Jonathan Kuminga is looking for chances to stand out, and they have to "align their thoughts to see how to make it all fit together."
Michael Malone sounded like he was giving advice, stressing that any lingering issues could mess with team chemistry, but he didn't go as far as calling it an "ego clash."
Michael Malone shares lessons from Michael Porter Jr career journeyMichael Malone reflected on his time coaching Porter, who had his own ups and downs early on before becoming a vital part of the Nuggets' championship win in 2023. Perkins brought this up, highlighting how Michael Malone helped Porter go through the bench roles and improve defensively.
Michael Malone agreed and mentioned that Steve Kerr might want to take a similar route with Jonathan Kuminga. He commended Porter's ability to adapt, suggesting that Jonathan Kuminga needs to be ready for a possible bench role to build trust.
Jonathan Kuminga shows scoring potential against Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025 playoffsMichael Malone talked about Jonathan Kuminga's impressive plays during the 2025 playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Games 2 to 5 of the second-round series, with Stephen Curry sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga became a key player, averaging 22.3 points with a shooting percentage of 52%.
Although the Warriors lost those games, Michael Malone posed a question, "Can he find a way to step up and be a part of this team off the bench?" This shoutout to Jonathan Kuminga's skills and scoring talent was meant to inspire him to keep that level of play going. Michael Malone's remarks were intended to uplift both teams without throwing any shade.
Steve Kerr expresses relief after Jonathan Kuminga signs two-year deal with WarriorsSteve Kerr echoed Michael Malone's sentiment in a statement last week, as covered by ESPN on October 1, 2025. Steve Kerr said, "At the heart of any great team culture is communication... It’s just about fit, it’s just about what we need, how he sees himself and how we see him." He confirmed that he would have a pre-season chat with Jonathan Kuminga to get their goals in sync.
After Jonathan Kuminga signed, Steve Kerr shared his relief with reporters on October 2, 2025, "We've got powerful leadership in the locker room," and downplayed disruption risks. Steve Kerr has maintained a positive personal relationship with Jonathan Kuminga, reaching out over the summer despite contract negotiations.
With Jimmy Butler turning 36 and Stephen Curry at 37, the Warriors' championship window is quite limited. Jonathan Kuminga has a three-month window to show he can be reliable, potentially scoring 18-20 points off the bench while also improving his three-point shooting from last season's 34%. If he succeeds, he could help extend the 'two timelines' era; if not, a trade deadline deal might be necessary.
Michael Malone's perspective, grounded in his coaching experience, serves as a crucial reminder that poor communication could split the team. As the season begins, all eyes are on whether Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga will take this advice to prevent derailing Golden State's title hopes.
Also Read: “Coop is gonna be a lot better than people think"- Fans can't get enough of Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis chemistry
On October 1, 2025, Jonathan Kuminga signed a two-year deal worth $46.8 million with the Warriors, according to ESPN . This short-term contract means the team can trade him after January 15, 2026, keeping the rumors buzzing.
Jonathan Kuminga, who was picked seventh overall in 2021, has shown he has star potential but has had a hard time being consistent in Steve Kerr 's system. Last season, he averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds but often found himself on the bench until injuries made him a necessity.
The Warriors' strategy of balancing experienced players like Curry and Butler with younger talent relies heavily on Jonathan Kuminga's growth. Meanwhile, a former draft pick, James Wiseman, turned out to be a bust, putting extra pressure on Jonathan Kuminga to step up as a dependable third option.
Kendrick Perkins points out similarities between Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets On October 6, 2025, during ESPN's NBA Countdown, analyst Kendrick Perkins kicked off the conversation by comparing the bond between Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga to Michael Malone 's previous relationship with Michael Porter Jr . on the Nuggets. Perkins noted that both situations share similarities in coaching young forwards as they navigate their growth. Michael Malone, who was dismissed by the Nuggets in April 2025 after a lackluster playoff performance, responded directly.
Speaking to the panel that featured Perkins, Michael Malone remarked, "It comes down to communication," Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga really need to chat about what they both expect from each other. He pointed out that Steve Kerr will have certain expectations for Jonathan Kuminga's role, while Jonathan Kuminga is looking for chances to stand out, and they have to "align their thoughts to see how to make it all fit together."
Michael Malone sounded like he was giving advice, stressing that any lingering issues could mess with team chemistry, but he didn't go as far as calling it an "ego clash."
Michael Malone shares lessons from Michael Porter Jr career journeyMichael Malone reflected on his time coaching Porter, who had his own ups and downs early on before becoming a vital part of the Nuggets' championship win in 2023. Perkins brought this up, highlighting how Michael Malone helped Porter go through the bench roles and improve defensively.
Michael Malone agreed and mentioned that Steve Kerr might want to take a similar route with Jonathan Kuminga. He commended Porter's ability to adapt, suggesting that Jonathan Kuminga needs to be ready for a possible bench role to build trust.
Jonathan Kuminga shows scoring potential against Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025 playoffsMichael Malone talked about Jonathan Kuminga's impressive plays during the 2025 playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Games 2 to 5 of the second-round series, with Stephen Curry sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga became a key player, averaging 22.3 points with a shooting percentage of 52%.
Although the Warriors lost those games, Michael Malone posed a question, "Can he find a way to step up and be a part of this team off the bench?" This shoutout to Jonathan Kuminga's skills and scoring talent was meant to inspire him to keep that level of play going. Michael Malone's remarks were intended to uplift both teams without throwing any shade.
Steve Kerr expresses relief after Jonathan Kuminga signs two-year deal with WarriorsSteve Kerr echoed Michael Malone's sentiment in a statement last week, as covered by ESPN on October 1, 2025. Steve Kerr said, "At the heart of any great team culture is communication... It’s just about fit, it’s just about what we need, how he sees himself and how we see him." He confirmed that he would have a pre-season chat with Jonathan Kuminga to get their goals in sync.
After Jonathan Kuminga signed, Steve Kerr shared his relief with reporters on October 2, 2025, "We've got powerful leadership in the locker room," and downplayed disruption risks. Steve Kerr has maintained a positive personal relationship with Jonathan Kuminga, reaching out over the summer despite contract negotiations.
With Jimmy Butler turning 36 and Stephen Curry at 37, the Warriors' championship window is quite limited. Jonathan Kuminga has a three-month window to show he can be reliable, potentially scoring 18-20 points off the bench while also improving his three-point shooting from last season's 34%. If he succeeds, he could help extend the 'two timelines' era; if not, a trade deadline deal might be necessary.
Michael Malone's perspective, grounded in his coaching experience, serves as a crucial reminder that poor communication could split the team. As the season begins, all eyes are on whether Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga will take this advice to prevent derailing Golden State's title hopes.
Also Read: “Coop is gonna be a lot better than people think"- Fans can't get enough of Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis chemistry
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