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Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
The day has finally arrived.
Jonathan Kuminga is officially trade-eligible. The Golden State Warriors now have the flexibility to move him at any point between now and the February 6 trade deadline.
This date has been circled on calendars for months. When Kuminga signed his two-year, $48 million deal in the offseason, it was widely understood that the contract was designed to make him tradeable. The structure allowed the Warriors to evaluate him for the first half of the season while keeping their options open for the deadline.
That plan has played out almost exactly as expected. Kuminga started the season opener and looked solid in that role for a few games. But it did not take long for him to lose his spot in the starting lineup, and from there, his minutes steadily declined.
Kuminga has not played since December 18. He has been a healthy scratch for weeks, sitting on the bench while the Warriors play without him. The team has handled the situation delicately, with Draymond Green publicly praising Kuminga’s attitude and professionalism despite the awkwardness of the situation.
Now, with Kuminga officially trade-eligible, the Warriors can explore their options.
Why Jonathan Kuminga Has Not Been Playing
GettyJonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors will be eligible for trade on January 15.
The decision to keep Kuminga out of the rotation has been deliberate.
Head coach Steve Kerr initially benched Kuminga after a few underwhelming performances. The minutes dwindled from there, and by early December, Kuminga was completely out of the rotation. He returned briefly on December 18 after Kerr praised his recent practices and said he deserved another chance. But Kuminga played fewer than 10 minutes in that game and has not seen the floor since.
There has been speculation that Kuminga’s absence is at least partially at his own request. Staying healthy and avoiding injury before a potential trade makes sense for a player who knows he is likely on his way out. The Warriors have been professional about the situation, but the writing has been on the wall for weeks.
Kuminga was a late scratch in one game where the Warriors were resting their stars and would have otherwise played him. That only added to the belief that both sides are simply waiting for the trade deadline to arrive.
What the Warriors Are Looking for in a Kuminga Trade
GettyMichael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reach for the ball.
The trade market for Kuminga is not as robust as some might have expected.
There was limited interest in him during the offseason, which is why he ended up back with the Warriors on what was essentially a one-year deal. That lack of interest has not changed dramatically since then. A few teams have expressed interest—the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers have been mentioned—but neither has assets the Warriors would want in return.
That means the Warriors will likely need to orchestrate a three-team trade to get the kind of return they are looking for. The most realistic scenario involves the Warriors flipping Kuminga to a third team that can send assets to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr.
Porter has been the Warriors’ primary target for weeks. He is averaging 25.9 points per game while shooting 40.8% from three. At 6’10”, he gives Golden State the size and length they desperately need on the wing. He has championship experience from his time with the Denver Nuggets, and he fits the Warriors’ timeline.
The problem is that the Nets have shown no interest in acquiring Kuminga directly. That is where a third team like the Chicago Bulls could come into play. Chicago has expressed interest in Kuminga in the past, and they have players like Coby White who could appeal to Brooklyn.
If the Warriors can pull off a three-team deal, they will have upgraded their roster in a meaningful way. If not, they will need to explore other options or simply let Kuminga’s contract expire this summer.
The Warriors Are Not Desperate to Trade Kuminga
One important factor to keep in mind: The Warriors are not in a rush.
That said, the Warriors would prefer to move Kuminga now rather than lose him for nothing. Steph Curry is 37 years old and still playing at an elite level. The window to compete for another championship is closing fast. If the Warriors can flip Kuminga for a player like Porter who can help them win now, they should do it.
The trade deadline is February 6, which gives the Warriors three weeks to figure it out.
What Happens Next for Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga’s time with the Warriors is likely over.
He will not play in another game for Golden State unless something drastic changes. The relationship between Kuminga and Kerr has deteriorated to the point where there is no path back into the rotation. The best thing for both sides is a clean break.
Where Kuminga ends up depends on what kind of deal the Warriors can orchestrate. If they can land Porter, Kuminga will likely go to Chicago as part of a three-team trade. If the Porter deal falls through, the Warriors will explore other options.
For Kuminga, this is an opportunity for a fresh start. He is still just 23 years old and has plenty of upside. He needs a team that will commit to developing him and give him consistent minutes. That team is not the Warriors.
For Golden State, this is about maximizing Curry’s final years. Kuminga does not fit what they are trying to do. The sooner they can move him and upgrade the roster, the better.
Final Word for the Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga becoming trade-eligible on Thursday is not just a procedural milestone.
It is the start of what could be a franchise-altering few weeks for the Warriors. If they can pull off a deal for Michael Porter Jr., they will have upgraded their roster in a meaningful way. If not, they will need to explore other options or risk wasting another season of Steph Curry’s prime.
The clock is ticking. The trade deadline is February 6. And the Warriors have decisions to make.
Kuminga’s time with Golden State is almost certainly over. Now, it is just a matter of where he ends up—and what the Warriors get in return.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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