Jonathan Kuminga, the Golden State Warriors' 23-year-old forward, has requested a trade after becoming eligible on his new contract. The team has sidelined him since mid-December, raising questions about their faith in his potential. Despite his athletic talents, Kuminga's inconsistent play has led to limited minutes amid the Warriors' push for playoff contention.
Jonathan Kuminga has not appeared in a game for the Golden State Warriors since December 18, 2025, when he logged fewer than 10 minutes in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Although not listed on the injury report, he has dealt with some tightness, and an anonymous Warriors player remarked to The Athletic, "I wouldn't have played, either... It's clear the coach doesn't believe in him."
The Warriors hold a 23-19 record, securing a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team's shifting status, stating around Christmas, "We are a fading dynasty... We know that. Everybody knows that." He added, "I don't want anyone to think we're disillusioned, and we're thinking, 'We should compete for titles year in and year out with San Antonio and Oklahoma City the next few years.' It's not realistic."
Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in 2021, boasts career averages of 20.2 points per 36 minutes on 50.2% shooting. His 6-foot-7 frame and athleticism position him as a potential asset, especially with his $22.5 million expiring contract eyed for trades. However, the Warriors have not showcased him, and analytics from Cleaning the Glass show the team is 9.2 points per 100 possessions better without him this season.
Last season's playoffs highlighted his promise: after Stephen Curry's hamstring strain against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kuminga averaged 24.3 points on 55/39/72 shooting splits. Yet, early this season, the Warriors started 4-1 with him in the lineup before going 2-5, during which he posted a -56 plus-minus. Kerr subsequently benched him entirely.
Following prolonged summer negotiations, Kuminga signed a short-term deal with a $24.3 million team option for 2026-27 to facilitate a trade. On Thursday, as it became trade-eligible, he formally demanded one—a move the Warriors anticipated. The franchise attempted to move him last season without success, signaling diminished belief in his fit.
Comparisons to former Warriors like Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre Jr. underscore the risks. Oubre, after similar early struggles, left for a two-year, $25 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets, where the team missed playoffs both seasons, before joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a minimum contract. Still, Kuminga's talent suggests value in the right system.
