NBA Notes: Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga, Magic, Jett Howard, Cavs

Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga has officially arrived.

After hinting before the season that only Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green were guaranteed starters, Steve Kerr now says Kuminga has earned a permanent spot in the Warriors’ first five.

“He’ll be our starter going forward,” Kerr told reporters, per Anthony Slater of ESPN. “He’s been fantastic. (Monday) we put him on Ja (Morant). Tonight we’ll put him on James Harden. I think he’s ready.”

Kuminga’s expanded role is notable after a tense summer of contract talks that revolved around playing time and consistency.

The 23-year-old has answered those questions early, averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists through five games while shooting 53.7 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from deep.

His rebounding and defense have stood out most. Kuminga’s 37 rebounds through five games are the most he’s ever recorded in that span, and Kerr credited him for improving his passing and shot selection.

“You’ve hardly seen any of the mid-shot clock, 17-foot pull-ups,” Kerr said. “You’re seeing him being much more purposeful, getting the ball to Jimmy, getting the ball to Steph, attacking the rim.

“The combination of Jimmy, Draymond, and JK wasn’t great last year, but because of all the improvements JK has made, it’s really clicking.”

Golden State is still rotating its fifth starter between Quinten Post and Brandin Podziemski, depending on matchups, but Kuminga’s role is locked in.

Magic

The Magic are declining Jett Howard’s fourth-year team option for the 2026-27 season, per Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel, making Howard an unrestricted free agent in 2026 unless traded or waived beforehand.

Howard, the 11th overall pick in 2023 and son of former NBA star Juwan Howard, has struggled to find a rhythm, averaging 3.7 points in 9.8 minutes across 80 games with a 36.9 percent field goal mark.

The decision comes as Orlando prepares for Paolo Banchero’s max extension to kick in, pushing the team toward the tax line.

While Howard’s option was declined, Orlando exercised Anthony Black’s fourth-year and Tristan Da Silva’s third-year options. Black has emerged as one of the NBA’s more efficient young reserves, averaging 12 points and 3.5 rebounds on 53.1 percent shooting.

Da Silva, a former first-rounder from Germany, remains a valuable depth piece after starting 38 games last year.

Cavaliers

The Cavs look to extend their winning streak to four Wednesday night when they visit the Celtics on ESPN.

Cleveland remains shorthanded, with Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot), and Sam Merrill (hip) all sidelined. Boston, of course, will be without nemesis Jayson Tatum due to that Achilles injury, though Jaylen Brown is expected to play through hamstring tightness.

The Cavs enter at 3-1 after a strong stretch behind Donovan Mitchell, while Boston sits 1-3 following its Monday win over New Orleans. Tipoff is 7 p.m. Eastern from TD Garden.