Golden state Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr reflected on Jonathan Kuminga's departure on Thursday. Their relationship had been damaged over the last couple of seasons, and it ultimately came to an end when Kuminga was dealt to the Hawks at the trade deadline.
Steve Kerr reflects on Jonathan Kuminga
Speaking to the media ahead of the Warriors' game against the Phoenix Suns, Kerr expressed his feelings on Kuminga.
"Before I start, I want to thank Buddy and JK for their contributions," Kerr said. "What they meant to our locker room, two well-liked guys."
Kerr continued to speak highly of his former player, reflecting on their often rocky partnership while wishing Kuminga well as he starts a new chapter of his career.
"JK is a really good guy," Kerr remarked. "It's been obviously a rocky road for him, for us, you know, it wasn't always the right fit. Obviously, kind of been in and out of rotation, tough for him and tough for us too. And through all of that I enjoyed being around him."
"I really hope JK finds his way and whether it's Atlanta or wherever else, I really want to see him succeed, and I’m sorry that didn’t happen here."
Kuminga, along with Buddy Hield were traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, bringing an end to a tough start for the young forward in Golden State.
Drafted by the Warriors, Kuminga was a part of the 2022 championship run, but his role gradually shrank in the seasons that followed, and he managed just 20 appearances this year.
Despite penning a two-year extension in the offseason, Kuminga demanded a trade in January and was eventually shipped ahead of the deadline as he hopes to revive his career in Atlanta.
Steve Kerr notes what he hopes Jonathan kuminga learned during his stint with the Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga's five-year with the Warriors came to an end on Thursday, after his move to the Atlanta Hawks. The forward had a tough time in his final seasons with the team, with his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr often came under the microscope.
However, following the trade, Kerr spoke highly about the former forward, offering praise while also sharing what he hoped Kuminga would take away from his time with the Warriors.
"Well, the thing in the NBA is opportunity is everything," Kerr said. "I am hopeful that he can take what he has learn through his experiences, the ups and downs, the good and bad, and transfer that to his next opportunity."
While Kuminga stays on the sidelines with a knee injury at the time of writing, he will aim to make his debut for the Hawks by the end of February.