If you polled Golden State Warriors fans and asked them what player on the team was most likely to be traded prior to the deadline in February, the overwhelming answer would likely be Jonathan Kuminga.
So, it’s not surprising to see that Kuminga was recently listed as the player most likely to be traded by the Warriors by Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.
Jonathan Kuminga listed as player most likely be to traded by Warriors
Kuminga has been the subject of trade talks and speculation for years. He’s been unhappy with his role and the team has been unhappy with him. Perhaps this is the time that a deal will finally come to fruition.
“The deal he signed after four years of thinly veiled discontent and a protracted negotiation process was basically designed to be an appealing trade asset. Kuminga will earn $22.5 million this season and then carry a $24.3 million team option into next year,” Hughes wrote. “That’s a big enough salary to feature in a trade that brings back something of consequence for the Golden State Warriors without putting Kuminga’s acquiring team on the hook for a single dollar in 2026-27.”
Kuminga didn’t play in Golden State’s latest game, a 123-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Kuminga was healthy and available, but coach Steve Kerr opted not to play him. After the game, Kerr provided the following explanation regarding his decision:
“Happens to everybody pretty much, other than the stars. Guys come in and out of the rotation, depending on who’s available, how the team is playing.”
This week, Kerr made it clear that he doesn’t know what the future will hold for Kuminga in Golden State.
“My desire for JK is to become the best player he can possibly be, regardless of where he ends up, whether it’s here or elsewhere,” Kerr said. “… None of us know what’s going to happen with JK or pretty much any of our guys, although I would advise Mike [Dunleavy] not to trade Steph [Curry].”
That basically sounds like coach speak for, “He’s probably not going to be here much longer, I wish him well.”
Clearly talented and still just 23 years old, Kuminga would certainly be of interest to other teams around the league, and his team-friendly contract should help when it comes to getting a deal done. Since he has a team option for next season, a team could trade for him with no fear of making an unwise long-term investment. If things don’t go well after the trade, they could simply cut bait and move on without major financial ramifications.
The writing seems to be already on the wall, when it comes to Kuminga’s future in Golden State. At this point it feels like a matter of when, not if, a deal will get done.
