Jonathan Kuminga Prepares for Free Agency Amid Hopes for Stardom

CLEVELAND — Jonathan Kuminga is working hard as he approaches restricted free agency, splitting his time between workout facilities in Cleveland. For the past two weeks, Kuminga has started his days early, training from around 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each session is a chance for him to fine-tune his skills as he seeks to define his role in the NBA.

Despite facing challenges last season, including a 31-game absence and adjustments to a new role with the Golden State Warriors, Kuminga made a significant impact when given the opportunity. After Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury, he stepped up with impressive performances in the playoffs, scoring 18, 30, 23, and 26 points in his last four games.

“That’s what’s been on my mind,” Kuminga told The Athletic regarding his aspirations. “I feel like I’m at the point where that has to be my priority, to just be one of the guys a team relies on.” His focus is on becoming a star capable of leading a team, whether that’s within the Warriors or elsewhere.

Kuminga’s training regimen started with morning workouts at a state-of-the-art facility, followed by court sessions featuring on-ball playmaking exercises designed by trainer Ant Wells II. He aims to improve his ball handling and create better opportunities for teammates, a skill set he showcased with six assists during the Timberwolves series.

Kuminga’s shooting performance in workouts has been promising, revealing significant improvement with him making 56 percent of his three-point attempts and 72 percent of his two-point shots during a nine-day snapshot in mid-June. He is eager to refine his offensive game further, working on mid-range shots and floaters.

“The more you hit those shots, the more your team relies on you,” he said. “That’s pretty much what I’m putting a lot of work in.” He is aware that in the Warriors’ offense, his shot opportunities may be limited, but he is determined to carve out a role where he can contribute more significantly.

Even though Kuminga has shown flashes of potential, he has struggled to find consistency in his role with the Warriors. He previously averaged 14.2 points and shot 57 percent when given more playing time during his second season, and set a franchise record with 138 dunks in his third season.

His current situation raises questions about how the Warriors will handle his restricted free agency. With trade options potentially on the table, Kuminga hopes to find a path that allows him to showcase his abilities fully.

As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, Kuminga’s confidence remains high. “Wherever I go, I just want them to say, ‘He deserved what he got. He worked hard for it,’” he concluded.