Jonathan Kuminga's playing time with the Golden State Warriors is likely to decrease significantly with the return of Jimmy Butler, who had been absent due to an injury sustained in Game 2 against the Rockets. Kuminga, who emerged in the rotation by default during Butler's absence, may find himself benched as Butler resumes playing nearly all the minutes. Warriors coach Steve Kerr prefers not to use lineups featuring Kuminga, Butler, and Draymond Green together due to floor spacing issues around Stephen Curry. Kuminga's struggles during this series further complicate his chances of seeing significant playing time, despite being more in rhythm than Butler. Although there might be cautious management of Butler's minutes, significant contributions from Kuminga in upcoming games are not anticipated, amidst ongoing trade rumors involving him.

Jonathan Kuminga had secured more minutes in the Warriors' rotation due to Jimmy Butler's injury, which occurred early in Game 2 against the Rockets, causing Butler to miss Game 3 entirely.

With Butler's return, Kuminga is expected to see a reduction in playing time, potentially being relegated to the bench, as Butler is set to play nearly the entire game as he did in previous crucial matches.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has expressed a clear preference against using lineups that include Kuminga, Butler, and Draymond Green simultaneously, due to the negative impact on floor spacing around star player Stephen Curry.

Kuminga has not performed impressively in the current series, leading to a lack of confidence in granting him extended playing time, even though he might be better conditioned for play than the recently returned Butler.

Despite any strategic intentions to manage Butler's minutes cautiously, Kuminga's potential for making significant contributions in upcoming games remains low, amid persistent trade speculation surrounding him.

Jonathan Kuminga had broken back into the Warriors' rotation by default.

But on Monday night, things might look different.

Jimmy Butler is making his return for Golden State after being hurt early in Game 2 of their playoff series against the Rockets. He missed Game 3 entirely.

With Butler absent and then out, Kuminga got double-digit minutes two games in a row.

With Butler back, don't be surprised to see Kuminga planted on the bench.

In the crucial final game of the regular season, and then in Game 1 against the Rockets, Kuminga didn't play a single second.

Butler played nearly all the minutes in both games.

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Warriors coach Steve Kerr has said he doesn't like lineups with Kuminga, Butler and Draymond Green on the floor all at once. They aren't the best for spacing the floor around Stephen Curry.

Kuminga has also struggled while on the floor in this series, so he hasn't exactly earned himself a long leash.

Maybe because Kuminga is a little more in game rhythm, and because the Warriors might want to be a bit careful with Butler's minutes, Kuminga could see the floor a bit.

But any major contributions from the talented 22-year old who is deeply involved in all of the Internet's trade rumors are probably not to be expected.

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