Is Jonathan Kuminga out of 2025-26 NBA season? Troubling twist clouds Golden State Warriors’ path as star player's sudden setback sparks unsettling questions

Jonathan Kuminga will not play for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday when they travel to play the New Orleans Pelicans. Due to bilateral knee tendinitis, Kuminga, who has a two-year contract worth $46,800,000, missed his second straight game.

The good news is that the sizzling Steph Curry is back to spearhead the Dubs' attack.Kuminga will miss his second straight game on Sunday, and being declared out a day early is not good for him. The Warriors will probably go cautiously because the 23-year-old forward is dealing with pain in both knees.

A worrying new wrinkle shadows the Warriors’ season as a young star’s sudden setback stirs quiet uncertainty

The Golden State Warriors aimed to contend for the championship going into the 2025–26 campaign. If Stephen Curry hadn't hurt his hamstring in the second round of the previous season's playoffs, they might have made it to the Western Conference Finals.Kuminga will not play against the Pelicans on Sunday due to a knee injury. Regarding Kuminga, prior to Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, the star forward complained of knee pain. The Warriors wing felt well following the pregame warm-up, and his availability was confirmed. Kuminga missed the entire second half of the match after complaining of discomfort.The 6-foot-7 big was formally ruled out of the rematch with the Spurs on Friday. In his pregame press conference, coach Steve Kerr provided a positive update, stating that he is certain Kuminga would return to the court as soon as possible. Kerr said, as quoted by Sam Gordon on X:"Hopefully over the next couple of days as he visits with our training staff every day, they’ll get him on track soon, but (his status is) just day to day."

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have been looking like a sinking ship lately, with six straight road losses and five more away games until they return to the cosy confines of the Chase Centre. Yes, in an effort to stop the losing streak, coach Steve Kerr is also experimenting with the lineup.According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, there is no structural damage. Slater wrote: "Absence should be relatively short-term, but Kuminga/Warriors want to manage some of the recent soreness he’s been experiencing."After Jimmy Butler came to town, Kuminga seldom played due to an injury from the previous season. Kuminga won't want that to happen again, though it's hard to foresee. The Warriors haven't been playing well, so they need to create a flow. If they are able to uncover it without Kuminga, his importance might be diminished by the time he returns. Also read: Jonathan Kuminga’s contract uncertainty grows as Josh Giddey secures $100 million deal with Chicago Bulls