Jonathan Kuminga Aims to Make Kings Regret Missing Him

San Francisco, CA – Jonathan Kuminga has a significant chance to showcase his talent as the Golden State Warriors get ready to face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams this season.

Stephen Curry, a two-time MVP, will miss the game due to illness, while his teammate Jimmy Butler is also questionable after experiencing lower back soreness during Tuesday’s win against the Phoenix Suns. With both stars sidelined, Kuminga is poised for a bigger role, particularly against the Kings, a team previously linked to him in free agency discussions.

Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract with the Warriors a month ago. He has made an impact this season, starting all eight games and earning recognition as one of the league’s most improved players. The 23-year-old forward has stepped up, averaging over 30 minutes per game, a personal best for his career.

This season, Kuminga is averaging 16.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, with a shooting percentage of 53.4% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. Sacramento might be regretting their decision not to secure Kuminga during his protracted free agency, especially following Keegan Murray‘s injury that has left the Kings thin in the forward position.

Kuminga had discussions with Kings General Manager Scott Perry and Head Coach Doug Christie, expressing interest in joining Sacramento for a more prominent role. However, the Warriors declined any sign-and-trade proposal involving players like Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and Malik Monk. Ultimately, Kuminga re-signed with Golden State, where he has quickly adapted to a significant role under Coach Steve Kerr.

As the Warriors look to improve to 6-3 on the season, Kuminga’s performance on Wednesday could very well add fuel to Sacramento’s regret, particularly if he delivers a standout game.