Jonathan Kuminga is now facing trade issues (Image via NBA) Jonathan Kuminga, the Golden State Warriors’ fourth-highest-paid player, was not among the 11 players that started Sunday night’s 123-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls. This happened despite the absences of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford.Warriors supporters may have hoped that Kuminga would be the key to landing a bigger fish, but his latest benching and previous problems may have eliminated that possibility. Additionally, he is also reportedly facing trading issues. However, current reports imply that the Sacramento Kings are still interested in obtaining the young talent.
Jonathan Kuminga’s reported shrinking role sparks fresh trade buzz
Jonathan Kuminga’s days with the Golden State Warriors might be numbered. Now that the 23-year-old player has once again fallen out of Steve Kerr’s rotation, it appears that the Warriors will move on from Kuminga as soon as he becomes trade-eligible on January 15. Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented on not playing Kuminga:”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.”ESPN’s Anthony Slater recently described the prospects of a Kuminga trade as “strong.” However, it’s reasonable to question whether that assessment was quite strong enough. Furthermore, as per insider Marc J Spears: “The Sacramento Kings continue to have interest in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga, but while Malik Monk might still be available in a package, the previously included first-round pick is no longer expected to be part of Sacramento’s offer…”Kuminga’s fifth season with the Warriors, like his previous four, has garnered consistent interest despite his unpredictable playing time in an organization that has never seemed to be a perfect fit.After a rocky restricted free agency prolonged into training camp, Kuminga returned on a two-year, $46.8 million contract with a team option for the second season. However, it was reportedly a team-friendly, tradeable structure that he felt forced to accept, according to league sources at the time. The negotiations elicited harsh feelings on both sides.His trade worth alone is insufficient to entice Andrew Wiggins back to the Bay, and Kuminga can only be viewed as a little sweetener for any Giannis Antetokounmpo offers.
Jonathan Kuminga’s rocky start fuels trade speculation ahead of January 15 trade eligibility
Kuminga’s eventful restricted free agency this summer came to a conclusion on September 30 when he signed a two-year, $46.8 million contract with Golden State. He made headlines in the first two weeks of the season, averaging 17.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in the first nine games before suffering bilateral knee tendinitis four games later. It happened during the Warriors’ victory against the San Antonio Spurs on November 12 and sidelined him for seven games. Kuminga becomes trade eligible on January 15. According to league sources, the Warriors are anticipated to investigate the Kuminga trade market in the coming weeks as the chances of a split before the February deadline remain high.Also read: Is Jonathan Kuminga playing tonight? Golden State Warriors star’s status update against Indiana Pacers revealed (11-01-2025)