Kuminga pushes for an identity on a championship-ready Warriors roster, demanding minutes and a starting role rather than a complementary role. A Dec. 7, 2023 experiment where Kuminga started over Green highlighted the tension; the move did not last, reinforcing a status quo built on veteran continuity. The Warriors’ decision to chase veteran patience—evidenced by their Jimmy Butler pursuit—complicates Kuminga’s path to a long-term contract. The franchise now weighs preserving the current mix versus unlocking Kuminga’s ceiling with a clear role on a title chase roster.