**Warriors Move Kuminga to Bench Against Pelicans Amid Contract Uncertainty**

In a noteworthy decision, the Golden State Warriors have chosen to move forward Jonathan Kuminga to the bench for their game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This development was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania and Kendra Andrews. Kuminga's benching comes at a critical juncture in his career, as he is entering the final year of his contract with no extension in place, setting up a potentially challenging path toward his anticipated restricted free agency in 2025.

Danny Emerman of Bay Area News Group provided further insights into Kuminga's initial reaction to the move. According to Emerman, the 22-year-old forward was unaware of head coach Steve Kerr's decision prior to the official announcement. In response, Kuminga simply stated, "...I'm not the coach, it's his decision."

This isn't the first time Kuminga has faced issues related to benching. Back in January, during a game against the Denver Nuggets, Kuminga was benched for the final 18 minutes despite delivering a solid performance with 16 points in just under 19 minutes of play. This decision did not sit well with Warriors fans or Kuminga himself. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that this incident severely strained Kuminga's relationship with Kerr, with the young forward "losing faith" in his coach, an issue that prompted a meeting between the two later that week.

The latest benching adds another layer of tension as Kuminga waits for clarity regarding his future with the Warriors. The team's decision to move him to the bench might reflect broader strategic considerations, as they continue to seek ways to help him take the next step in his professional career.