“Just a tough fit”: Warriors’ Steve Kerr gives unfiltered thoughts on Jonathan Kuminga after trade to Atlanta Hawks

The long-running tension between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors reached its conclusion when the franchise finalized a trade sending the 23-year-old forward to the Atlanta Hawks.

The move ended months of uncertainty around Kuminga’s role and future. The trade has also updated Golden State’s roster as it continues to chase results in the Western Conference.Head coach Steve Kerr reveals that the deal was necessary. Speaking openly after the trade, Kerr framed Kuminga’s exit as the result of a fitting issue.

Steve Kerr drops an honest reaction after the Jonathan Kuminga trade

Steve Kerr explained that Jonathan Kuminga entered the league in a difficult environment.

Golden State is still locked into a win-now mindset when the former No. 7 overall pick arrived from the G League.“I think it was a tough situation for everybody, given how raw he was when he got here and given we were still playing for championships,” Kerr said, per Anthony Slater.

“He needed the runway to make more mistakes. He needed the experience of being in the NBA and understanding what it was about. For him, it was very tough not being allowed to make those mistakes.

For us as a staff, it was tricky trying to develop him while we were trying to win. I think it’s as simple as that.”Kerr added that Kuminga’s presence in the locker room never caused friction. “Everybody liked him. I liked him. He’s a really good guy. Very personable. Well-liked in the locker room. Just a tough fit.”Kuminga contributed during the Warriors’ 2022 title run and flashed potential across multiple seasons.

The Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis

Golden State’s decision to move Kuminga came with a clear roster objective. The Warriors acquired Kristaps Porziņģis to help Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Kuminga’s 2025-26 campaign showed instability. He opened the year strong as a starter, then saw his role reduced after injuries and lineup shifts. Despite brief scoring bursts when opportunities reopened, his standing was never stabilized.Atlanta now offers Kuminga a reset and a clearer developmental path. This season, Kuminga is averaging 12.1 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.