Without Stephen Curry and Kuminga, the Warriors are playing with fire, warns Kendrick Perkins

The Golden State Warriors are entering a critical phase, as some analysts have pointed out. The team that once revolutionized the NBA with its fast-paced, three-point-heavy style now faces an uncomfortable reality. Its core is aging, its future is uncertain, and its young prospect, Jonathan Kuminga, seems closer to leaving than to becoming a star in San Francisco. And Stephen Curry won’t be around forever.

In this regard, The Sports Rush notes that with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the recent addition of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors still have plenty of talent. However, there’s a catch: all of them are past 35. That means the championship window is narrowing, and the margin for error is razor-thin. In that context, the tension surrounding Kuminga carries strategic weight that goes far beyond contract negotiations.

Warriors in trouble

The young forward turned down a two-year, $45 million extension, making it clear he’s not satisfied with his role on the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry. Since being drafted seventh overall in 2021, Kuminga has shown steady growth. More minutes, more impact, more maturity. But apparently, not enough trust from the coaching staff. Steve Kerr has leaned toward Brandin Podziemski, a second-year player who, while promising, doesn’t have Kuminga’s experience or physical upside.

Meanwhile, former NBA champion and current analyst Kendrick Perkins didn’t mince words. The Warriors are playing with fire. On the Road Trippin podcast, Perkins criticized the team’s management. Arguing that Kuminga could easily be a 20-point-per-game player if given the spotlight he deserves. And he’s not alone in that assessment. Stephen Curry’s injury during last postseason left the team rudderless, resulting in four straight losses to the Timberwolves. Without Curry, the system collapses.

A breath of air

Jimmy Butler’s arrival may offer a temporary boost, but it doesn’t solve the deeper issue. Who will take over once Stephen Curry retires? Who will be the face of the franchise in the next decade? Many experts believed Kuminga could be that bridge. Yet the lack of trust and playing time has pushed him to explore other options.

Stephen Curry’s presence has masked many of the team’s structural flaws, but the Warriors don’t have many draft picks or valuable trade assets. Betting on internal development was the logical path, and Kuminga represented that hope. Losing him wouldn’t just mean losing a talented player—it would mean losing a chance at a smooth transition into the future.

Amid all this turmoil, Dub Nation watches with growing concern. The clock is ticking, and every decision carries more weight than ever. Because when Stephen Curry finally steps away, what remains in the Bay will determine whether the Warriors continue as a dynasty—or fade into a distant memory.