SAN FRANCISCO – As January 15 arrives, it marks a pivotal moment for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is now eligible for trade under his two-year, $48.5 million contract signed during restricted free agency last October. Speculation is building around whether Kuminga will remain with the team past the NBA’s February 5 trade deadline, particularly given the glaring changes in his situation over recent months.
Sources from within the Warriors indicate a combination of frustration and disappointment in both Kuminga’s performance and his diminishing trade value. Tensions came to a head on December 2, when Kuminga voiced his dissatisfaction following a close game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he scored eight points but sat out the entire fourth quarter. Despite contributing positively when on the floor, his lack of playing time has fueled his frustrations.
Fast forward to January 2, and instead of earning the expected minutes in a subsequent game against the Thunder, Kuminga surprisingly appeared on the injury report with lower back soreness just before the game, which raised eyebrows throughout the organization and the league. With the Warriors suffering from a 37-point defeat, Kuminga’s absence became a focal point of frustration among team members.
Once a lively presence in the locker room, Kuminga has become increasingly withdrawn, raising concerns about his relationship with the team. The Warriors drafted him with high hopes as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, yet due to recent developments, the organization finds itself reevaluating their approach moving forward.
Interestingly, Kuminga was initially praised for his performance at the start of the season, even being named a starter early on. Yet, as the season progressed and injuries to players like Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler forced the team to shuffle their lineup, Kuminga’s role diminished, leading to an ongoing struggle to find consistent minutes.
As the Warriors currently sit at No. 8 in the Western Conference with a record hovering around .500, the need for a third scorer is evident. Kuminga was previously viewed as a potential answer to this need, especially highlighted during a strong performance last spring in the playoffs, where he averaged 24.3 points in the absence of Curry. However, with inconsistent play and diminished confidence stemming from his reduced role, his future with the team has become uncertain.
Compounding the situation, team owner Joe Lacob and head coach Steve Kerr appear increasingly less enthusiastic about Kuminga, potentially indicating that the organization might be more inclined to facilitate a trade if a suitable offer arises. The Warriors’ decision to keep him until the trade deadline will hinge on whether they can leverage his $22.5 million contract effectively, especially given their cap constraints and the need to maintain a competitive roster.
There are already indications that interest remains from teams like the Sacramento Kings, though their previously appealing offer now appears decidedly less attractive, suggesting a significant decrease in Kuminga’s market value. The franchise’s challenges in remaining competitive while also nurturing its young talent underscore the difficulties faced in their ongoing pursuit of championship aspirations.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Warriors organization is caught in a challenging dynamic—balancing the urgency of the current season with the potential of a young player whose relationship with the team may have soured beyond repair. All eyes will remain on Kuminga in the coming weeks as his future with the Warriors hangs in the balance.