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After being traded from the Golden State Warriors for Kristaps Porzingis, the Atlanta Hawks have now given a Jonathan Kuminga injury update.
In the wake of the Golden State Warriors trading Jonathan Kuminga for the expiring contract of Kristaps Porziņģis, scrutiny has intensified around how the organization managed — and ultimately devalued — one of its most talented young players.
While criticism has focused on Kuminga’s uneven development under coach Steve Kerr, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Golden State’s internal misalignment may have also cost the franchise significantly stronger trade returns over multiple seasons.
According to Slater, Kuminga repeatedly surfaced in high-level trade discussions — opportunities the Warriors ultimately passed on before his market value declined.
Missed Chance: Alex Caruso Talks With Bulls
One of the clearest inflection points came at the 2024 trade deadline, when the Warriors engaged the Chicago Bulls in talks centered on defensive standout Alex Caruso.
“That included talks to land Alex Caruso from the Bulls at the 2024 trade deadline, viewed by some in the organization as the prime opportunity they should’ve pounced,” Slater wrote.
Other team sources countered that Chicago proved “finicky in late-stage negotiations” and emphasized that Kuminga was still viewed internally as a major rotation piece at the time.
Reporting from CHSN’s K.C. Johnson later indicated that Golden State “rebuffed” Chicago when Kuminga’s name was raised, with the Bulls making clear they would only move Caruso if “floored by an offer.”
Chicago ultimately sent Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey, a deal that became a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s championship run last season.
Kevin Durant-Warriors Reunion Nearly Reached Finish Line
Kuminga also headlined the Warriors’ widely discussed attempt to reunite with Kevin Durant at the 2025 trade deadline.
Slater reported the deal was green-lit by owner Joe Lacob and nearly crossed the finish line before Durant ultimately exercised his leverage and vetoed the move.
While the collapse was outside Golden State’s control, it further illustrated how frequently Kuminga’s name appeared in marquee negotiations without producing tangible returns.
Indiana Draft-Day Opportunity That Never Materialized
Another pivotal moment came before the 2023 NBA Draft, when league sources told Slater there was a pathway for Golden State to send Kuminga to the Indiana Pacers for the No. 8 overall pick.
That selection became Jarace Walker, with several impactful players taken shortly thereafter, including Cason Wallace (No. 10), Dereck Lively II (No. 12), and Keyonte George (No. 16).
Golden State ultimately selected Brandin Podziemski at No. 17 — a pick that has worked out — but moving Kuminga would have given the Warriors two mid-first-round selections, Nos. 8 and 17, a decision that could have significantly altered the course of that draft night.
“But nothing ever materialized — either because of internal indecision or external machinations,” Slater wrote. “And the cold war, between player and coach, between the front office and ownership, continued to simmer.”
Sign-and-Trade Paths Also Rejected
Last summer, Kuminga explored sign-and-trade scenarios with the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, including a Zoom call pitch from Kings general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie promising a featured role and 30-plus minutes per game.
According to Slater, the Warriors balked at available packages involving Malik Monk, Royce O’Neale, or Grayson Allen, plus draft compensation.
The Kings even offered a lottery-protected 2030 first-round pick, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
“One of the common retorts, according to league sources: Lacob would never agree to it,” Slater wrote.
Warriors Settle for Porziņģis After Giannis Pivot
Kuminga was also tangentially involved in Golden State’s exploratory pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, but once the Milwaukee Bucks shut down talks, the Warriors pivoted quickly.
They ultimately settled on Porziņģis — a player they had targeted for months, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania — prioritizing fit over durability despite the center’s extensive injury history.
In the end, Golden State closed the book on Kuminga not at peak value, but after years of hesitation — a pattern that now reads less like patience and more like a costly series of missed opportunities.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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