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    Warriors Governor Joe Lacob Gets Blunt About Jonathan Kuminga’s Future in Golden State

    The Golden State Warriors feel like a new team now following the trade for Jimmy Butler III. The Warriors have seen improved play from superstar Stephen Curry, as well as the younger players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski.

    The reinvigorated Warriors are still without their young forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has been sidelined since Jan. 4 with an ankle sprain. Kuminga is nearing a return, which has many wondering how well he’ll be integrated into the new-look Warriors.

    Kuminga’s impending return has become a major topic among those within the organization, as he is in a contract year and looking to drive his value up for a bigger deal.

    Joe Lacob Discusses Kuminga’s Future With the Warriors

    The elephant in the room as it pertains to Kuminga is his future with the Warriors. There were rumblings about Kuminga being traded all season, and rumors indicated he was included in a potential deal for Kevin Durant ahead of the trade deadline.

    While that trade ultimately never went through, the fact that the rumors persist indicates the Warriors might be willing to part with Kuminga if the price was right.

    Warriors governor Joe Lacob joined Tim Kawakami on his podcast, “The TK Show,” to talk about the team, the Butler trade, and more; the topic eventually turned to Kuminga and what he might command salary wise.

    SEE MORE: NBA Power Rankings Post-Trade Deadline

    Kawakami directly asked Lacob the tough question: “The numbers that he’s going to demand or get, I’m sure, are going to be substantial and would give you four players making a lot of money.”

    “Are you committed to meeting that market price, which might even take you to the first apron? Is that something that you’re ready to do?”

    Lacob offered a reply as only he could, pointing out Golden State’s track record of financial commitment to retaining most of their key players. “I don’t know; why don’t you look at history, and then you can answer that question for yourself.”

    While Lacob has taken his fair share of criticism over the years, he does seem committed to winning while paying the players that he sees as a cornerstone to his franchise.

    Will Kuminga’s Return Be a Big Boost to the Warriors?

    After missing nearly two months of action, Kuminga’s return has been handled with care. He’s been practicing and scrimmaging with the team, so he’s being acclimated to the system after a lengthy absence.

    Before his injury, Kuminga looked the best he’s ever looked in a Warriors uniform. He scored 34 points in back-to-back games against the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers while also contributing 20 points in the Warriors’ win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 2.

    Before his injury made him leave the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Kuminga recorded 13 points in just 15 minutes of action. If Kuminga can come back with that type of production, he’s going to be a massive help to the already surging Warriors.

    With the addition of Butler, the improved play from Moody and Podziemski, and the revitalization of Curry, Kuminga won’t have to do much to fit into the offense. This would allow him to also focus more on defense, which will help the Warriors for sure.

    Are the Warriors going to pay Kuminga this summer? If Lacob’s words and the Warriors’ track record are to be believed, then signs point to yes.

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