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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shakes hands with Jonathan Kuminga.
Jonathan Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, pushed back against Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s comparisons of his client to NBA champions Shawn Marion and Aaron Gordon, as the Warriors and their restricted free agent remain locked in a long-running contract standoff.
Turner: Kuminga Is a Unique Advantage Creator
“I think those guys are a different type of players,” Turner said Friday on the Dubs Talk podcast. “They’re more playing off, as we like to say, an advantage—attacking a closeout, keeping it simpler maybe. But they’re not the advantage creators that JK is.”
Turner praised Kuminga’s remarkable improvement in ball handling and offensive versatility.
“He can back you down. He’s got his ball handling. I’ve never seen a player improve his ball handling in four years the way JK has,” Turner said. “He can get to anywhere he wants on the floor. He really can. And he can get to the rim whenever he wants.”
Turner added that Kuminga’s ability to attack the basket and create opportunities for himself and teammates is a crucial asset for the Warriors. “Pre-Jimmy [Butler], that was super, super needed. I still think it is needed now,” Turner said.
Playoff Performance Highlights Potential
Kuminga showcased that potential during the playoffs during Stephen Curry‘s absence with a hamstring injury. Over four games against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, he averaged 24.3 points on 55% shooting and 38.9% from three-point range, emerging as the Warriors’ leading scorer.
Despite his efforts, Golden State lost all four games without Curry, underscoring both his talent and the limitations of the team when its star point guard is absent.
Kerr’s Perspective: A Complementary Role
Turner’s comments came on the heels of Kerr emphasizing a more complementary role for Kuminga alongside Curry and Butler following their playoff exit. On The TK Show in May, Kerr compared him to former All-Star Marion and Gordon, noting their athleticism, versatility, and defensive impact.
“I’ve always felt like the type of player JK needs to be—Shawn Marion is a guy that jumps out,” Kerr said. “With his athleticism, running the floor, putting pressure on the rim, offensive rebounds, getting into the dunker, guarding everybody at the other end. I think that’s what he’s really built for.”
Kerr also cited Gordon’s evolution from a primary scorer in Orlando to a versatile two-way contributor in Denver as a model for Kuminga.
Contract Standoff and Team Implications
The disagreement over role and value is at the heart of the ongoing contract standoff.
The 22-year-old forward has yet to finalize a deal for the upcoming season, with the team offering a three-year, $75.2 million contract that includes $48.3 million guaranteed over the first two years. Kuminga has resisted, seeking a player option in the final year—a move Turner says reflects fairness and alignment with the team’s long-term goals.
The outcome of these negotiations could have ripple effects for Golden State. With the team’s roster still in flux, how they handle Kuminga’s contract may influence not just his performance but the Warriors’ competitive outlook in a Western Conference loaded with contenders.
As the offseason drags on, both sides appear committed to reaching a resolution—but the gap between the player’s aspirations and the team’s vision remains a central storyline heading into training camp.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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