"He Wants To Be A Star" - Steve Kerr Puts Jonathan Kuminga On Notice With Blunt Reality Check on Future Role Amid Trade Buzz

The saga between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors took a fresh turn after Steve Kerr benched the young forward on Sunday. Kuminga, who has been linked with a trade, was a healthy scratch against the Chicago Bulls.

On the "Willard & Dibs Show" on 95.7 The Game, Kerr opened up about Kuminga's role with the Warriors. The four-time NBA champion coach said the forward's inconsistency has hindered him from reaching his full potential.

"He's obviously a guy with a lot of ambition, which I love," Kerr said. "He wants to be a star. He's got the ability that gives him that hope and gives us that hope. There has to be a consistent level of play in order to achieve that."

The coach added:

"We're talking about the best basketball league in the world, so the consistency has to be there for us. And if it's not there, then it makes it much more difficult for me to give him consistent minutes and give him starts. So that's what we're asking for, is a more consistent level of production."

Jonathan Kuminga did not feature against the Chicago Bulls, with Kerr not even giving him garbage time minutes when the game was out of reach. Jimmy Butler's return from injury, as well as the performance of Gui Santos and Will Richard, ate into Kuminga's playing time.

Santos, Richard, and Pat Spencer have capitalized on their opportunities, but to earn standard contracts, the Warriors will need to shed salary and open roster spots. One way to do it is to make a trade, with Kuminga the most likely candidate.

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Jonathan Kuminga's relationship with Steve Kerr not affected by DNP

Jonathan Kuminga's relationship with Steve Kerr not affected by DNP. (Photo: IMAGN)

Speaking to ESPN's Anthony Slater after the Chicago Bulls game, Jonathan Kuminga said his relationship with Steve Kerr wasn't affected by the DNP. Kuminga reiterated that everything is good between him and his coach.

"We have a good relationship," Kuminga said. "We talk and figure out things. We don't have any problem. I don't have any problem, just didn't go my way. I'm going to stay happy, stay locked in, stay focused, stay positive."

Kuminga said he didn't mind getting benched because the team won the game.