Kerr Defends Kuminga Amid Warriors Trade Deadline Drama

Steve Kerr pushed back on the trade chatter around Jonathan Kuminga, stressing the real life impact on a player and his family and likening the situation to Andrew Wiggins last season. Kerr said, "He's got two little girls at home, and he's been here five years," while noting his duty to balance honesty with empathy. Kuminga has been in and out of the rotation, averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 18 games after signing a two year 48.5 million dollar extension. Merlin sees Golden State walking a careful line as the Feb 5 deadline nears. Kuminga is young and tradable but also under a recent contract and not yet consistent, so his name will surface if the Warriors chase short term help. Watch his minutes and how Kerr frames the talk, because that will reveal whether the team leans toward keeping and developing or trading for proven depth.