The Golden State Warriors made a huge move at the trade deadline, acquiring six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler to pair with superstar guard Steph Curry, and the new tandem could not be playing better.
With Butler in the lineup, the Warriors are 6-1, helping Golden State move into eighth place in the West with a 31-27 record. While Butler has been fantastic since joining Golden State, the Warriors have yet to put their full-strength lineup on the court.
22-year-old standout forward Jonathan Kuminga has missed the last 24 games due to an ankle injury.
Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to make a pass up court during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images / David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Warriors have yet to reach their full potential with both Butler and Kuminga in the lineup, but the newest Golden State star was asked how he thinks the young forward will fit into their new-look team.
“I think it’s going to be easy,” Butler said. “Hella athletic. Can shoot it. Can score in a multitude of ways. Can definitely guard. I think he’s going to come back and do what he’s been doing. My job is to make it even easier on him.”
Jimmy Butler on reintegrating Jonathan Kuminga: “I think it’s going to be easy. Hella athletic. Can shoot it. Can score in a multitude of ways. Can definitely guard. I think he’s going to come back and do what he’s been doing. My job is to make it even easier on him.”
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) February 26, 2025
Through 32 games this season, Kuminga is averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds but has excelled when given more opportunity. When Kuminga plays 30+ minutes, he averages 26.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, shooting 49.1% from the field.
The Warriors have excelled with Butler on the team, and getting Kuminga back in the lineup will elevate them to another level.
