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The Golden State Warriors might have seen their entire season, and potential dynasty flash before their eyes just two nights ago. A season-ending injury to 36-year-old Jimmy Butler now takes one of their stars out of the lineup, and sets the team a bit back.
Acquiring him at the deadline a season ago did wonders for the team’s play and effort. But with him gone, it’s going to be tough to get back to the level (12-4 in previous 16) they had been at.
Additionally, Jonathan Kuminga, a current trade candidate that has been off the floor since December 18th, is back in the lineup.
The good news for the team, is that he’s still got it. The 5th-year forward got a nice ovation from the crowd upon entering the ball game.
Let’s get into his first game back.
Jonathan Kuminga Finally Returns for Warriors
As was the case in the 2025 postseason, it took a serious injury to the team in order for Jonathan Kuminga to re-enter the rotation. And once again, after a bit of a lay-off, he was able to come through.
It’s worth starting with the fact that this team didn’t get any stops against the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley dropped 40, and as a team, they had 145. It was a 145-127 Toronto victory in the game.
But, getting back to the Warriors side, Kuminga being back was a big deal. If he’s trying to showcase his trade value, this is the time to do it.
The forward had himself a strong return, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes of action. He didn’t get any run in the opening quarter, but seemed to impact the game over the final few frames.
Interestingly though, after the game, GM Mike Dunleavy had some interesting comments. He stated that he was well aware of Kuminga’s trade demand, but that “there needs to be trade interest, in order to meet a trade demand”, hinting that the market may be lacking.
It was certainly one of the more unique quotes said by a front office about a player who wants out. Nonetheless, as long as he’s on the team, he’s part of the plans. And a 20-point return is what the doctor ordered.
Now, the defense just has to follow suit so they don’t allow 145 again and can start to stack wins once more.
Next Steps for Golden State Warriors
It’s been a very up-and-down year for the Warriors, though they had finally started to put it all together before Jimmy Butler went down.
With their second star out of course, they will have to pivot. Stephen Curry will be an All-Star starter once again come February, while Draymond Green has continued to set him up as well as he can. They are still without a starting caliber center, and now have a glaring gap in the “Robin” role that Butler had been playing.
If Kuminga does indeed get moved, it will be interesting to see what the return would be. There have been on-and-off talks between Golden State, and the Sacramento Kings since the offseason. Should they do business, there be some legitimate talent swapping between west coast squads.
A four-game road trip is up next, as they don’t return home until Jan 30. We’ll learn a lot about this team and it’s fight between now and then.
Zach Weiss Zach Weiss is a sports reporter covering the NBA for Heavy. He also hosts a podcast about the Cleveland Cavaliers, “Across the Cavs,” and serves as a sports broadcaster for various institutions in the Greater NYC Area. He wrote for Knup Sports for six years. More about Zach Weiss
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