Jonathan Kuminga Ditches 00 for No. 1 with Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga is back with the Warriors and will switch his jersey from No. 00 to No. 1, Anthony Slater reported after his first preseason practice. More consequential: he agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million deal with "a team option designed for the contract to be ripped up and renegotiated next summer," per Shams Charania — a choice over a three-year, $75 million offer that keeps more control over his near future. That matters because Golden State could still trade him, and his role on a veteran-heavy roster is far from settled. Merlin sees a 22-year-old with clear upside who must sharpen one tool above all: outside shooting (30.5% from three last season). The number change is a small rebirth — a visual reset for a player on a short leash. If Kuminga can space the floor and bring steady defense, he becomes indispensable; if not, his contract design makes moving him likely.