Jonathan Cumminga, Steve Kerr react to a healthy scratch

There is never a dull moment the ongoing saga between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors’ fifth-year forward picked up his first DNP-CD (did not play — coaching decision) of the season in the Dubs’ 123-91 win over the Chicago Bulls, just 24 hours after starting in the win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green or Al Horford, Steve Kerr decided to go with other options on the bench, riding with guys like Pat Spencer, Guy Santos, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II.

“I’ve got to keep going, just like everybody else in this position,” Kerr said after the game when asked by a reporter how he hoped Cummings would treats a healthy scratch. “It happens to almost everyone, except the stars. Guys come in and out of the rotation depending on who’s available, how the team is playing.”

The Warriors are playing well right now. The win over the Bulls capped a successful 2-1 stretch on a busy road trip – three games in four nights. They upset the Cavs in the absence of Curry, Green and Jimmy Butler, thanks to Pat Spencer, and came close to knocking off the 76ers. And they did it with Cummings playing just 44 minutes in those three games.

“We just replaced certain things. That’s all,” Kuminga said after the game in his locker when asked what Kerr’s explanation was for not playing.

“As long as things are working there and we’re winning, I don’t see the point of a trade, a change. Whenever my number is called, I’ll be ready, but I don’t see the point. Because we’re doing well, we’ve been doing well. I think things are working, they’re moving well. So I don’t see the point of taking some people out of the rotation, and now they’re doing well.”

Kumming’s mindset right now

In the past, Kuminga reacted to situations like this with much more agitation. It was reported in 2024 by Shams Charania and Anthony Slater Kuminga lost faith in Kerr after the coach sat him for the final 18 minutes of a competitive loss to the Denver Nuggets.

But in the case of this DNP, Kuminga claimed that things between him and Kerr remain fine, despite past frustrations.

“We have a good relationship,” Kuminga said. “We have to talk and figure things out; we don’t have any problems. I don’t have any problems. Things just didn’t go my way today. I’m going to stay happy, stay locked in, stay focused on what’s next.”

It’s been a strange season for Kuminga. He was an important part of the Warriors’ strong 4-1 start to the season opener, giving glimpses of potential and giving hope that he has become the player the organization envisioned. Kerr went so far as to cement Cummings as the starter for the foreseeable future.

But the good vibes and flawless playing didn’t last. The Warriors are back to swinging above and below .500, with Cumming’s play returning to the same awkwardness and clumsiness that plagued his time in Golden State. After 13 games, Kerr pulled Cumminga from the starting lineup, and not long after, knee tendinitis sidelined him for seven games.

And in the four games since his return, excluding the DNP, Kuminga has averaged 7.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 30 percent from the field and 30.8 percent in 19.1 minutes. It was a tough stretch for the young striker, but he seems to be in good spirits despite the fall.

“I feel good. I don’t have any problems,” Kuminga said. “I’m going to practice every day, stay ready. You never know how these things work sometimes, my number can be called anytime, so I like it, I trust my game, and I feel good about my game, so whenever my number is called, I’ll be (ready).”

What’s in store for Jonathan Cummings and the Warriors

Like everything related to Cummings and the Warriors, this situation could go in many directions.

After Kerr cut him out of the rotation at the end of last season, Cummings’ time in Golden State appeared to be over. But less than 2 weeks later, they returned to him after Butler left for a game. And when Curry went down later in the series, they put him in the focal point next to the cantankerous Butler.

On Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kuminga could very well be back in the lineup, with things looking closer to where they were at the start of the season. Or he could catch another DNP, given how well the Dubs have gotten along with the guys replacing him for now.

For Kerr, he operates under a strict prove-it mentality when it comes to who he plays. He used what assistant coach Ron Adams calls the NBA’s “show me” to make his point.

“This is how the league works,” Kerr said. “There’s always someone knocking down the door, trying to get your job. So it’s up to everybody to compete, to do their best for the team. We’ve got a lot of guys who do that.”

Regardless, Jan. 15 is getting louder and brighter – the day Kuminga and his contract become eligible for a trade. This DNP could be the last chapter in a difficult five-year relationship. Or it could be a harmless one-shot that Kuminga and the Warriors pass on.

Until then, Kuminga will look to prove to Kerr and the Warriors that he belongs in the rotation.