Warriors Weigh Future of Kuminga After Butler’s Arrival

CHICAGO — February 12, 2025 — The Golden State Warriors are navigating complex roster dynamics following the recent trade acquisition of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. Butler, a two-way force, has made a significant impact in his first two games with the Warriors, easing the scoring load on Stephen Curry, especially as he approaches his 37th birthday.

Butler’s offensive prowess and ability to draw fouls have already transformed the Warriors’ approach, averaging a notable 30.7 points per game through his first two outings. “Every possession doesn’t feel as hard now,” Butler said. His addition, however, has raised questions about the future of Jonathan Kuminga, who is set to enter restricted free agency.

At the core of these concerns is the disparity in contracts. Butler is poised to earn $54.1 million next season, a steep increase over Andrew Wiggins’s $28.2 million, creating potential complications for the Warriors’ salary cap space. Currently, the team has $139.6 million committed to Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler alone, pushing them closer to the projected luxury tax threshold of $187.9 million.

Joe Lacob, the Warriors’ owner, has been vocal about his commitment to retaining Kuminga despite Butler’s hefty extension. In a recent interview, Lacob expressed confidence in Kuminga’s potential, stating, “Absolutely, one hundred percent. Are you kidding me? I love that guy. We love him.” Kuminga was drafted seventh overall in 2021 and is seen as a crucial asset for the team’s future.

As the NBA‘s salary cap continues to rise, the Warriors remain determined to find a way to integrate Kuminga and ensure his presence alongside Butler, Curry, and Green. The projected salary caps for the upcoming season indicate the Warriors will likely have around $41 million left to distribute among seven players, including Kuminga, who is expected to command a max salary of around $38.6 million.

Kuminga, who has been rehabilitating an ankle sprain, is optimistic about his collaboration with Butler. “It’s great for us… I feel like I see myself kind of like having a similar type of game,” he mentioned after recognizing the synergy between their play styles. He noted Butler’s power wing approach and how it aligns with his own game.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has acknowledged the challenges of incorporating Butler while maintaining the necessary offensive spacing, particularly with Kuminga and Green also on the court. Kerr emphasized the need for experimentation to discover effective lineups.

The Warriors have seen a drop in free throw attempts this season, averaging 20.4 per 100 possessions, ranking them 27th in the league. Butler’s ability to draw fouls could drastically shift this trend, restoring a balance in their offensive strategy that has relied heavily on perimeter shooting.

As the Warriors prepare to field a lineup that includes Butler, Curry, Green, and potentially Kuminga, the implications for their depth and dynamics this season are yet to be fully realized.

In closing, Butler addressed his potential influence on Kuminga’s growth, stating, “I figure we’ll spend a lot of time together. I would like to think I’ll make his job a lot easier, and he’ll also make my job easier.” With these developments, the future for Kuminga and the Warriors hinges on effective negotiation and the potential for on-court chemistry, as they aim to solidify their championship contender status.