Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga Ejected in Shocking Preseason Clash—What Really Sparked the Controversy?

Well, if there was one headline-grabber from Tuesday night’s preseason action, it was definitely Jonathan Kuminga’s early exit from the Golden State Warriors’ 118-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The young forward’s night came to an abrupt halt late in the second quarter after a heated exchange with an official — contact was made, the whistle was blown, and just like that, Kuminga was shown the door with an ejection that you simply don’t see passed over easily in any arena. He’d been hustling around the Moda Center, trying to beat the buzzer on a layup that didn’t fall, but the frustration boiled over in the final seconds before halftime. Now, here’s the kicker — this came only weeks after he inked a fresh two-year, $48.5 million deal following a tense offseason filled with contract drama that seemed to be going nowhere fast. With trade possibilities now lingering come January, things are definitely lining up to keep the intrigue alive around this promising but sometimes volatile talent. Stick around, because this isn’t just about one ejection — it’s about what’s next for Kuminga and the Warriors as they prepare to kick off the regular season. LEARN MORE

Jonathan Kuminga didn’t make it to the second half of Tuesday night’s preseason game.

The Golden State Warriors forward was thrown out of their 118-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in the final moments of the second quarter after he made contact with an official while arguing for a call. That led to an immediate technical foul and ejection.

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Kuminga was driving to the rim at the Moda Center trying to get a bucket to fall before the buzzer sounded, though he missed the layup after thinking that he drew contact in the middle of the lane. As play went the other way to wrap up the quarter, Kuminga got into the official’s face and made contact with him — which will lead to an ejection every time.

Kuminga had 7 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 18 minutes when he left.

Tuesday’s outing was Kuminga’s third this preseason, and came just weeks after he landed a new two-year, $48.5 million deal to return to the franchise after months of uncertainty. Kuminga and the Warriors had been in a contract dispute throughout the offseason that frequently felt like it was going nowhere. The new deal now means that Kuminga will be eligible to be traded in January, which is something that is reportedly likely to be explored at a minimum.

Kuminga, who the Warriors took with the No. 7 overall pick in 2021, averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 30.5% from behind the arc last season. The 23-year-old missed significant time last season due to an ankle injury he went down with in January, but he returned in time for the postseason.

The Trail Blazers took a five-point lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Warriors surged ahead in the fourth quarter to grab the seven-point win. Stephen Curry dropped 28 points while shooting 4-of-11 from the 3-point line, and Quinten Post added 16 points off the bench.

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All five of the Trail Blazers’ starters hit double figures in the loss. Shaedon Sharpe led the way with 18 points after he shot 7-of-16 from the field. Donovan Clingan added 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Deni Avdija finished with 15 points.

The Warriors have one game left, Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, in their preseason slate. They will open the regular season on Oct. 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers.