On August 4th, the relationship between the Golden State Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga continued to strain, and a separation between the two sides seemed inevitable. According to sources familiar with the matter, head coach Steve Kerr has been vacillating in using Kuminga's playing time since he entered the league, which has become a major factor in the conflict between the two sides.

Kuminga's frustration has persisted throughout the season. Repeated temporary adjustments to his starting lineup and reduced playing time have left him feeling shaky about the team's future plans. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, speaking to 95.7 The Game , Steve Kerr repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with Kuminga's limitations, a key factor in the Warriors' management's willingness to let him go.

The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have both made sign-and-trade offers for Kuminga, but negotiations have yet to progress. The Warriors are reluctant to withdraw their qualifying offer and release him, as they need to use the cap space to strengthen their team, especially as they continue to build a championship-contending roster around Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and newly acquired Jimmy Butler. A sign-and-trade is the most valuable option.

The Warriors hope to acquire a first-round pick and at least one young player in a trade. However, the asking price currently appears unacceptable to potential trading partners. The Kings reportedly offered a package that included Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, and later upped the ante to include a lottery-protected first-round pick, but the Warriors rejected both offers, insisting on an unprotected first-rounder.

For the Warriors, Kuminga's future has become a crucial factor in their summer reinforcement plans. Management is unwilling to trade the young forward cheaply, and they are unable to find an ideal trade partner under current circumstances. If negotiations remain deadlocked, they risk missing out on a sign-and-trade opportunity to strengthen their roster and face the significant risk of losing both players and money next summer.