Coming-of-Age Season for Jonathan Kuminga?

The Golden State Warriors failed to trade or sign any star-level players to pair with Stephen Curry. However, if Jonathan Kuminga wants anywhere near the contract that Orlando Magic Franz Wagner signed this past summer, he must significantly step up as the Warriors' second option. Is Kuminga up for the task, or will the Warriors ultimately trade him in a package for a better player?

Kuminga turns 22 on Oct. 6 and is coming off a season in which he averaged 16 points on above-average advanced shooting percentages. Moreover, despite the Warriors missing the playoffs, Kuminga significantly improved regarding on-off metrics with a +3 net rating per 100 possessions.

In a contract-extension-eligible year, Golden State could opt for the wing to hit restricted free agency in 2025. Kuminga will make $7.6 million this season, likely seeking a possible full-level rookie contract extension worth $225 million. However, for such a reality to occur, Kuminga must improve appreciably, as the Warriors' cap situation vastly differs from the Magic's.

Kuminga's athleticism marks the Warriors' wing's top weapon. As an average jump shot converter, that's one specific aspect that needs addressing to truly fit in with the Warriors, primarily as Curry's wingman.

However, if Steve Kerr ever decides to experiment with more Kuminga as the handler in pick-and-roll sequences, Kuminga converted at a "very good" rate in such a scenario last season.

Kuminga scored 103 points in 110 possessions as the lead in the pick-and-roll.

Related: What is Jonathan Kuminga Worth to Golden State?

Curry turns 37 in March, and although the Paris Olympics alluded to the superstar extending his prime, Father Nature comes for everyone. Kuminga's leading on more possessions opens up possibilities for the Warriors' offense.

Although Curry playing off-ball is nothing fresh to Kerr's offense, Kuminga's increased efficiency as a lead on possessions, without Curry running like he's evading a monster, could preserve the Warriors' star guard in clutch situations.

Ultimately for the Warriors to compete in the playoffs, Kuminga must become a borderline All-Star player, especially if he wishes to obtain the massive pay raise.