The Golden State Warriors are expected to examine trade options for Jonathan Kuminga once he becomes eligible on January 15, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN. Kuminga, the team’s fourth-highest-paid player, has seen inconsistent playing time this season, raising questions about his fit in Golden State’s rotation.
Kuminga did not play in Sunday’s 123-91 win over the Chicago Bulls, a game that saw the absence of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford. Coach Steve Kerr explained that rotations shift depending on availability and team performance, noting, “Guys come in and out of the rotation, depending on who’s available, how the team is playing.”
The forward’s fifth season in Golden State has mirrored prior years, marked by flashes of potential and stretches of limited impact. After a contentious restricted free agency, Kuminga returned on a two-year, $46.8 million deal with a team option, a structure sources describe as “tradeable” but initially bitter for both sides.
Kuminga started the season as the Warriors’ entrenched power forward, contributing to a 4-1 start. However, after a mini-skid and a seven-game absence due to knee tendinitis, his minutes have been limited, and recent performances have struggled, including a 1-of-10 outing in Cleveland. Kerr has adjusted rotations, favoring reserve forward Gui Santos over Kuminga when key stars were absent.
The Warriors, currently 13-12 in the 2025-26 season, rely heavily on Curry (27.9 points per game) and Jimmy Butler (19.5 PPG) for scoring and playmaking. Kuminga contributes 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game but has not secured a consistent role since returning from injury.
League sources indicate Golden State is likely to explore the Kuminga trade market in the coming weeks, with the probability of a deal before the February deadline remaining significant.
