Kuminga's current situation exposed! Still seeing himself as a future All-Star Signing is a win-win for the Warriors

On May 30, Beijing time, Kuminga will become a restricted free agent this summer after spending his fourth season with the Warriors. As Team Recorder Slater detailed, Kuminga's future with the Warriors is uncertain due to a number of factors.

League sources told Slater that Kuminga still sees himself as a future All-Star and is trying to find a home where he can take on expansive offensive roles and showcase his abilities.The 22-year-old forward has had a bumpy run in the playoffs: he was out of the rotation for most of the series against Houston in the first round; And in the second-round series against Minnesota, he was given the main role after Curry was sidelined with a hamstring strain.

Slater noted that Kuminga's emergence as a highly effective scorer (averaging 24.3 points per game on 55.4 percent shooting, 38.9 percent three-point shooting, and 72.0 percent free throw shooting) in four games against tough opponents has led to the belief that the former lottery pick can play impressive stats under the right conditions. Sources said that although Kuminga has some differences of opinion on his own positioning and value and the team's requirements for his style of play, it isThe differences between the two sides are not "irreconcilable"。

However, Kuminga may not be able to achieve his personal goals with the Warriors, who are trying to build a championship-winning roster around Curry, Green and Butler. Slater writes that for the striker,The "clearest path" could be a sign-and-trade approach that would be a win-win for both the Warriors and him personally。

As Slater observes,Head coach Kerr has long wanted Kuminga to be a Marion-esque player- Able to perform well without having the ball, defend multiple positions and grab rebounds efficiently. But Kuminga's preference for dominance with the ball and his inconsistent performance in other areas have made him seem out of place in Kerr's system at times.

League sources told Slater that while the Nets are not currently expected to make an offer to Kuminga, they may be open to maximizing salary space this summer with a multi-team sign-and-trade package. This could provide a mutually beneficial solution for the Warriors, Kuminga, Nets, and other interested teams.

Slater explained that the problem with a potential sign-and-trade is that Kuminga will be subject to the "base year compensation rule" and that if the Warriors receive more than 50 percent of Kuminga's starting salary, the team will be strictly limited to the No. 1 line. Although the parties involved are "expected to explore all options," the Warriors are not expected to be able to do so due to the above restrictionsSources have hinted to Slater that the "most obvious and cautious path" could be to renew Kuminga's contract directly。

Taking this route would give the Warriors more time to evaluate Kuminga's suitability, and the base year limit will be lifted in December — at which point Kuminga could theoretically be traded. According to Slater, owner Lacob is a big fan of Kuminga and told the young striker that he is open to a return. According to the message, Kuminga "has not completely ruled out" the possibility of a return. Since Kuminga is a restricted free agent, the Warriors have the final say, thoughSlater hinted that Kuminga may not be too interested in renewing his contract unless certain circumstances change。