GS's growing Kuminga dilemma. Real ace of the airlift plus 3 weeks of ankle injury. Can we trade it
Jan 07, 2025
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CBS Sports officially announced that `Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga will be out for at least three weeks with a serious sprained right ankle. Kuminga underwent an MRI, and a detailed examination concluded that a minimum rehabilitation period of three weeks was needed, according to the report.
Golden State has been struggling this season. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are the main players, but they are not what they used to be. Curry has a lot of ups and downs per game, and Green has also lost a lot of influence in offense and defense.
It has been on the rise early in the season due to its strong rotation, but there is a limit to its power. Kuminga mainly played bench resources, but recently played an average of more than 30 minutes per game, serving as a real Golden State main scorer.
He led the Golden State offense, reducing Curry's burden.
However, he suffered an ankle injury in the last game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Immediately moved to the locker room, and a gap of at least three weeks became inevitable.
Kuminga failed to sign an extension for the club before this season. There was a big difference between the amount Kuminga wanted and the amount Golden State offered. Eventually, he will become a limited FA after the end of this season.
Golden State's salary is 11th in the league. It uses about $178.61 million. He also broke up with Klay Thompson before this season. In the end, it was a matter of money.
Kuminga will receive an annual salary of about $7.63 million this season. It's certainly a bargain for Kuminga's skill. Could get $10.24M next year, qualifying offer at stake.
Kuminga is at the point of becoming the first FA. The qualifying offer is an option that the original club can present to the player who will become the first FA. If you present a qualifying offer, you become a limited FA, and if your team does not recognize the player's value and does not present a qualifying offer, you immediately become a non-restricted FA, that is, a perfect free agent.
Kuminga, who was active in offense and defense last season, wanted a maximum contract, but Golden State refused. In the end, negotiations broke down, and trade rumors circulated.
For Golden State, Curry and Green wanted to use the trade card called Kuminga to create a winning power for Win Now at the end of their career. However, there was no suitable trading partner.
Kuminga is still strong this season. He has an average of 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. I'm not a starting member, I'm coming off the bench and making this record.
For Golden State, Kuminga's performance creates a dilemma. He is improving not only in offense but also in defense. It is a forward with high potential to be used as a winning piece in the future.
He has an ankle injury, but there is no big problem with his value. However, Golden State is very important at this point. 18-17, ranked 9th in the West. Coominga's injury vacuum in the fierce Wild Wild West could endanger elimination from the playoffs.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
