Mike McDaniel abandons long‑term plans as Tua Tagovailoa laments Dolphins’ disappointing 2025

A season unraveling: McDaniel and Tagovailoa admit things have gone off‑track

In late September 2025, the Golden State Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga appeared to reach a breakthrough. The team offered and Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract with a team option for the second year. That agreement seemed to promise stability for the former lottery pick and an opportunity to grow within the Warriors’ system.

The deal came after a summer of hard negotiations. Earlier in the off-season, the franchise had presented longer offers, including a three-year, $75.2 million proposal, but Kuminga’s camp pushed back, seeking more term and possibly a player option. The Warriors, focused on salary structure flexibility and potential trade leverage, refused.

Kuminga appears to have reluctantly accepted the two-year structure but crucially with his no-trade protections waived. That means the Warriors retain the ability to move him after January 15, 2026, if they wish.

At signing, both sides publicly emphasized a fresh start. Kuminga pledged commitment to winning alongside veteran core members, while coach Steve Kerr insisted the young forward was capable of contributing meaningfully.

Despite the contract and proclamations of unity, trouble began mounting almost immediately, hinting that this extension may have been more of a bridge than a home.

What McDaniel said: no more long‑term projections, just survival mode

From starting forward to eyebrow-raising bench role

At the start of the 2025–26 season, there was reason for optimism. In the early games, Kuminga logged meaningful minutes. Observers noted his combination of size, athleticism, and two-way potential as a promising fit.

However, reality soon deviated from that expectation. In a recent five-game stretch, his production dipped significantly: points per game dropped, three-point shooting collapsed, and turnovers crept up toward his assists number.

Faced with stagnation and inconsistent performance, Steve Kerr opted to bench Kuminga. The move, coming despite Kuminga’s earlier designation as a starter, reopened old questions about fit, role clarity, and long-term vision. Sources inside the organization reportedly said Kuminga felt like the scapegoat again.

The friction between potential and performance has re-ignited whispers of a trade. While the extension gave Golden State flexibility, it also underscores just how fragile Kuminga’s position remains.

Trade talks heating up, strong interest from other teams

According to recent reporting, at least one team, Indiana Pacers, has maintained steady interest in acquiring Kuminga. The Pacers have reportedly scouted him for more than a season.

For Golden State, the motivation is clear. They are reportedly targeting a frontline upgrade, specifically a durable, rim-protecting center. Their eyes have reportedly settled on Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets, a 6-foot-11 big man earning roughly $97 million on a multi-year deal estimated through 2027–28.

Claxton offers shot-blocking, interior presence, rebounding, and spacing that could complement the Warriors’ aging but still-alive core. In contrast, Kuminga’s fit has become increasingly murky, with defensive decision-making, ball-handling, and consistent shooting remaining valid concerns in Kerr’s scheme.

While the Nets’ willingness to part with Claxton remains uncertain, the conversation suggests Golden State is exploring serious structural change. For a young but unsettled forward like Kuminga, that may mean the end of his time in the Bay Area is nearer than most fans realize.

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Understanding the rationale behind potential moves

Warriors’ immediate needs: defense, rim protection, frontcourt stability

As the Warriors try to wring one more championship run from veterans like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, their margin for error shrinks. Their frontcourt, particularly at center, has lacked reliability, something Claxton could meaningfully address.

Meanwhile, Kuminga’s inconsistency and role ambiguity raise doubts about whether he can reliably contribute under playoff pressure and in a tightly constructed rotational system. His highs are impressive, but the lows expose potential liabilities, especially defensively and in terms of shot selection.

Flexibility and contract design as a tradeable asset

By structuring Kuminga’s extension with a team option and waiving the no-trade clause, Golden State intentionally preserved trade flexibility, a strategy increasingly common among teams balancing present competitiveness with future planning. This design signals the front office’s willingness to part ways if the right offer arises.

With Claxton’s guaranteed contract and a fixed financial commitment, a direct swap would allow the Warriors to potentially maintain cap flexibility in the long run while immediately shoring up a critical roster weakness.

Potential exit paths for Kuminga

If traded, several scenarios could play out for Kuminga. Landing spot with the Pacers: Indiana’s reported interest and their need for athletic wings who can create offense could suit Kuminga’s strengths. If Pacers front office believes they can unlock his potential, a trade could represent a fresh start and potentially a larger role.

Third-team sign and trade: Given the complexity of matching salaries, especially with Claxton’s contract, it’s plausible Golden State explores a three-team trade package, using picks or expiring contracts to balance books while moving talent.

Bounce to a rebuilding franchise: A team focusing on development rather than contention could view Kuminga as a high-upside project. Frequent playing time and patience might allow him to steadily grow, albeit far from title contention.

Back-up or bench-forward role: For some teams, Kuminga’s raw tools, athleticism, length, and scoring flashes remain attractive even if not starting-caliber. He could accept a lesser but stable role in hopes of earning a long-term deal.

In any scenario, his youth and athletic skill set give him maintainable trade value, but the window may not stay open forever.

The human side: confidence, frustration, and uncertainty

Kuminga’s journey with the Warriors has always had its ups and downs. Early promise, flashes of brilliance, and occasional glimpses of two-way potential have made him a compelling talent. But inconsistent minutes, unclear role definition, and the pressure-cooker environment of Golden State have taken a toll.

Moving from starter-level opportunity to bench curiosity can be demoralizing, especially for a young player who signed for nearly $50 million expecting stability. Some within the organization feel Kuminga is in limbo, neither firmly part of the core nor entirely expendable.

For his part, the fact that he waived the no-trade clause may reflect realism or resignation. Either way, there may be growing acceptance that the 2025–26 season could be his last in Golden State.

Potential impact on the Warriors’ next contending window

If Golden State does land Claxton and trade away Kuminga, the roster could transform meaningfully. Stronger interior defense: Claxton’s rim-protection, rebounding, and finishing in the paint could offset aging weaknesses inside and offer more balance alongside perimeter shooting and veteran ball-handling from Curry, Butler, and Green.

Better spacing and offensive flexibility: With a more traditional big and possibly additional wings or guards, the Warriors could adjust their offensive sets to exploit pick and rolls, off-ball movement, and staggered lineups.

Roster balance and financial clarity: By converting a trade-asset contract into a core-rotation contract, they might reduce uncertainty and focus on maximizing a window while their veteran core remains competitive.

Room for future moves: Having a clear, modern big man and a flexible salary structure might allow Golden State to explore additional upgrades, drafting, smaller trades, or even mid-season shuffles without over-committing.

In short, the decision to pivot could redefine their approach: from hoping young upside develops to strategically assembling a roster built for sustained contention.

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Key variables in the coming months

As this potential shake-up unfolds, keep an eye on several critical signals. Performance and minutes awarded to Kuminga: If Steve Kerr gives him extended minutes and his play improves, especially defensively or as a floor spacer, the trade talk might stall.

Nets’ willingness to part with Nic Claxton: His contract and value make this a complicated move for Brooklyn; their comfort level will influence whether a trade materializes.

Interest from other teams: The presence of competing suitors may drive up trade value and force Golden State’s hand.

Development of Warriors’ core and potential signings: Injuries, performance dips, or additional moves could shift priorities, deciding whether to ride with youth or go for stability.

Kuminga’s attitude and public comments: His willingness to stay, embrace a bench role, or request a trade will affect leverage and narrative.

For fans, the next few months may feel uncertain but are likely to be decisive.