Kendrick Perkins calls out Steve Kerr after the Jonathan Cummings trade
Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins criticized Steve Kerr following The Golden State Warriors’ decision to trade Jonathan Cummings to the Atlanta Hawks.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Road Trippin’ Show, Perkins questioned Kerr’s belief in Cummings’ potential after the 23-year-old’s strong start in Atlanta.
“We knew Jonathan Cumminga had a high ceiling. Steph Curry knew that, Draymond Green knew that Jimmy Butler knew that. The only person who didn’t believe it was Steve Kerr.”
The The Warriors dealt Cummings and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porzingisa move that reshaped Golden State’s roster as it tries to stay competitive in the Western Conference. Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of his athleticism and scoring ability during his time in Golden State, but has often played variable minutes in Kerr’s rotation.
Since joining the Hawks, Kuminga has delivered immediate production. In three games — including one start — he’s averaging 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per contest. In that stretch, he shot 67.7% from the field, 55.6% from three-point range and 77.3% from the free throw line.
Jonathan Cumminga’s fast start with the Hawks is prompting a re-examination of the Warriors’ decision
Atlanta has won all three games with Cummings in the lineup, highlighted by a 135-101 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Hawks improved to 31-31 on the season and are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Perkins’ remarks suggest that several prominent Warrior figures believed in Cummings’ advantage, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. His comments framed the trade as a missed opportunity for Golden State to further develop the young power forward within its system.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (31-30) have lost two straight, including Monday’s 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers after blowing a 17-point lead. Golden State continues to search for consistency as it tumbles down the Western Conference standings.
As Kuminga found early success in Atlanta, the trade drew attention again, with Perkins openly questioning whether Kerr maximized the power forward’s role before the organization decided to move on.
2026-03-03 19:16:00
