Warriors only have one player who can salvage Jonathan Kuminga's future

The future of Jonathan Kuminga with the Golden State Warriors is highly uncertain, with any potential new contract likely to be short-term and ending in a trade within the next year, rather than the long-term partnership both sides initially envisioned.

The stalled contract negotiations are primarily about Kuminga's desire for a full-time starting role and increased playing opportunities, not just financial details, but his aspirations are hindered by his reluctance to accept a role-player position and the presence of franchise legend Draymond Green.

For a long-term future together, it would require Draymond Green to relinquish his starting power-forward role, potentially sooner rather than later, as his response to this change is pivotal to the situation.

There was a brief positive instance last season where Kuminga started over Green in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Green supporting the decision based on Kuminga's strong performance, but the arrangement was quickly reversed and not made permanent.

The key question remains how Green will respond if such a role change happens again, especially if it becomes permanent, as Kuminga's career with the Warriors beyond the next year depends on him earning and securing the starting position, with Green's cooperation being crucial to the transition.