Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear is a tough pill to swallow for Warriors’ fans and the entire organization. Moving forward, one of the biggest questions becomes: “Who Will Step Up Without Him?”
With the team now desperate for a secondary option next to Stephen Curry, trading Jonathan Kuminga is more important than ever. Kuminga will earn $22.5 million this year and $24 million in 2026-2027. In light of his ongoing string of DNPs, retaining the 23-year-old will continue holding the team back.
Kuminga Wasn’t a Fit
Despite Steve Kerr declaring his willingness to reinstate Kuminga into the rotation due to Butler’s injury, that might not be a good idea.
Kuminga has struggled playing after a strong start the first week of the season. The Warriors’ style of ball/player movement revolving around Curry was never a match with Kuminga’s game. Butler’s absence won’t guarantee that the same bad tendencies and rough shooting that plagued Kuminga will suddenly vanish.
Yes, providing a longer leash allows Kuminga to work through his mistakes. But, the team is in a grueling race to make it out of the Play-In and can’t afford mishaps. Furthermore, the guy who has been Kuminga’s biggest cheerleader and teacher, Butler, is no longer playing.
If Kuminga had leaped the way the Warriors hoped, or at least fit in the Warriors’ system, the team could sustain playing without Butler and not need another piece. Leaving a 23-year-old on the bench who has been healthy to play, but made unavailable, is an even bigger waste of Curry’s final years.
Michael Porter Jr. is a Necessity
After rumors of a potential Michael Porter Jr. trade swirled around in recent months, acquiring him must now be a priority. Porter isn’t the same player as Butler, but he fills the forward position void and is a sniper from three-point territory. He is entering his prime at 27-years-old and possesses valuable playoff and championship experience. He has reached the Conference Finals twice in his career, winning a title with the Nuggets in 2023.
Logistically, the Warriors would have to give up more than Kuminga to receive Porter. Porter is currently in the fourth year of a five-year contract he signed with Denver. He is slated to earn $38.3 million this season and $40.8 million next season.
Kuminga’s salary is $16 million less than Porter’s; therefore, Moses Moody and Buddy Hield‘s contracts may be included in a possible deal for Porter, or any player. This is especially true if the front office doesn’t want to take on additional money from another player.
Additionally, Jimmy Butler’s name will re-emerge since he is making roughly $55 million this season and next.
Make Moves for Curry
The Warriors will have a lot to consider in the next few weeks, especially in light of Butler’s injury. Regardless of Butler’s situation, Kuminga’s contract and turbulent tenure with the Warriors elucidate that a split is needed.
Kuminga could very well shine with a new team and a fresh opportunity. But on a team scrambling to give Curry a couple of last years of contention, Kuminga’s development doesn’t align with the Warriors’ timeline.
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