Jonathan Kuminga, the Golden State Warriors forward, has requested a trade on the first day he became eligible, January 15. The 23-year-old has been out of the team's rotation for over a month and is averaging 11.8 points in limited action this season. Multiple teams, including the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks, have shown interest as the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5.
Jonathan Kuminga became trade-eligible on January 15 after signing a two-year, $46.8 million extension with the Golden State Warriors last summer. On that same day, the former lottery pick demanded a trade, according to ESPN reports confirmed by league sources. Kuminga has not played in the Warriors' last 13 games, with his most recent appearance a nine-minute outing against the Phoenix Suns on December 12. Coach Steve Kerr has kept him as a healthy DNP-CD since December 7, except for a brief return amid injuries including knee and ankle issues.
The Warriors' stubborn stance during offseason negotiations, where they rebuffed offers from teams like the Sacramento Kings, has contributed to the strained relationship. Kuminga started the season strong but fell out of favor, playing in only 18 games with 13 starts, posting 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 43.1% field goal shooting and 32% from three.
Interested teams include the Kings, who proposed Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick in the summer, though the pick is now off the table and the Warriors refuse Monk's three-year, over-$60 million deal. The Dallas Mavericks have shown interest, potentially in a swap involving Daniel Gafford. Other possibilities are the Los Angeles Lakers, eyeing an expiring-contract trade like Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht for Kuminga; the Milwaukee Bucks for Bobby Portis; and the Brooklyn Nets as a path to acquiring Michael Porter Jr. The Warriors seek expiring contracts in return, avoiding long-term money ahead of their $24.3 million team option on Kuminga for next season.
Despite the demand, sources indicate a non-zero chance Kuminga stays past the February 5 deadline due to his diminished trade value. A split benefits both sides, allowing the Warriors to bolster their 22-19 roster around Stephen Curry and addressing Kuminga's need for a fresh start.
