Steve Kerr Plans Key Conversation with Kuminga as Warriors Finalize Roster for New Season

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is preparing to sit down with forward Jonathan Kuminga as soon as he rejoins the team, aiming to align expectations ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Kuminga, who signed a new two-year deal on Tuesday worth up to $46.5 million, is expected to undergo his physical and join practice at Chase Center on Thursday.

“The first thing is a great conversation with JK. To me at the heart of any good team culture is communication,” Kerr said Wednesday. “We have to have a really good sit down.”

Kerr emphasized that communication has always been central to his relationship with Kuminga, noting he reached out to the 22-year-old several times over the summer. The coach also recalled sharing a moment with him after his 33-point performance in a win over Houston last December.

Heading into the new season, Kerr made clear that while Kuminga’s growth is vital, Golden State’s offense will primarily run through Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III. Kuminga will be expected to focus on defense, energy, and running the floor to earn consistent minutes. “Everybody progresses at a different rate. Things can click, but those are the things I’m going to continue to ask of him,” Kerr explained. Still, he acknowledged there will be stretches when the Warriors will lean on Kuminga’s scoring ability: “There’s going to be times this year where we’ve got to get him the ball and run the offense through him.”

Kuminga enters his fourth NBA season after averaging 15.3 points per game in 2024-25, ranking third in team scoring behind Curry (24.5 PPG) and Butler (17.9 PPG). His development remains a focal point for the Warriors, who see him as a potential two-way cornerstone.

Golden State also bolstered its roster with the addition of veteran center Al Horford, signed on the same day Kuminga’s deal was finalized. At 39, Horford arrives after four years with the Boston Celtics and admitted leaving wasn’t easy. But the chance to compete for a championship alongside Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler made the move worthwhile. “If there was one place that I was going to leave was for this,” Horford said.

With Kuminga secured, and Horford and sharpshooter Seth Curry joining the mix, the Warriors’ roster is set for the new campaign. For Kerr, the blend of youthful talent and experienced leadership could be the formula to re-establish Golden State as a serious contender.