Jonathan Kuminga became trade-eligible on January 15 after signing his two-year, $48.5 million contract in restricted free agency, but the deteriorating relationship between the forward and the Golden State Warriors has diminished his trade value significantly. Team sources indicate the situation has grown so problematic that Kuminga could remain with the franchise beyond the February 5 trade deadline.
The breakdown has been swift and dramatic. On December 2, Kuminga was visibly frustrated after sitting the entire fourth quarter in a loss to Oklahoma City despite the Warriors outscoring the Thunder by three points with him on the floor.
One month later on January 2, Kuminga appeared on the injury report with lower back soreness just hours before a game against Oklahoma City that coach Steve Kerr said he would “for sure” play in. Multiple team sources suspect Kuminga was not actually hurt.
“I wouldn’t have played either,” said one Warriors player, given anonymity in exchange for candor. “It’s clear the coach doesn’t believe in him.”
The Warriors have lost significant negotiating leverage since the summer. All the DNP-CDs for Kuminga, combined with the strained relationship, have emboldened suitors to lower their price point on a possible deal.
Even Warriors owner Joe Lacob, long one of Kuminga’s supporters, is now down on the fifth-year forward according to team sources. When approached about Kuminga after the January 2 game, Lacob quickly declined comment and was visibly irritated.
The Sacramento Kings still have significant interest in Kuminga, but their final summer offer of veteran guard Malik Monk and a 2030 first-round pick is no longer in play. The Kings are aware Kuminga’s value has dropped and are no longer willing to offer the pick.
League and team sources confirmed the Los Angeles Lakers have some interest in Kuminga, though it remains unclear if talks will unfold. The Warriors are aware of the intrigue and waiting to see how that situation evolves.
“I could actually see that happening,” one player said regarding the possibility of Kuminga remaining with the Warriors past the deadline.
Team sources insist they are willing to keep Kuminga on the roster for the remainder of this season. In the offseason, he becomes a $23.4 million expiring contract that could be valuable on the trade market if they don’t get a deal they like now.
Kuminga started the season in the starting lineup after coach Steve Kerr announced he would be their starter “going forward.” But after 12 games, that possibility disappeared when he was removed from the rotation on November 12.
As a starter, Kuminga averaged 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. After getting taken out of the rotation, he averaged just 5.5 points while shooting 28.3 percent from the field.
“Nobody’s winning right now with this situation, and it’s unfortunate, but it is what it is,” Kerr said during his weekly radio appearance Wednesday night.
Kuminga’s teammates remain supportive despite the business complications. Guard Jimmy Butler has routinely come to Kuminga’s defense publicly.
“That’s my brother,” Butler said. “I could care less if he out the rotation. We hang out. That’s my friend – that’s my brother, and that’s not gonna change.”
The Warriors are currently 22-19 at the halfway point of the season. They are desperate for a third scorer and playmaker, with Kuminga representing their last asset to add difference-making talent without taking from their core.