Jonathan Kuminga could be traded in the next two weeks
With Santos, a former No. 55 pick, eclipsing Kuminga, it appears the Warriors have given up waiting for their star prospect to emerge. When Green comes back, there will be even fewer minutes available at forward, especially when Kuminga’s lack of shooting (32 percent on three-pointers, 43.8 percent overall) makes it difficult to play him alongside Green and Butler.
Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5M contract this summer with a team option for the 2026-27 season. After contentious negotiations, Kuminga sounded ready to leave his only NBA team, but he ended up in the starting lineup to begin the season. In October, Kuminga averaged 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists and shot 55.4 percent and 45 percent on threes. Since then, his shot has fallen apart, and he has more turnovers than assists.
It appears Kerr is playing whoever he thinks can help the 13-12 Warriors win, regardless of pedigree. First-round picks Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski have been coming off the bench while converted lacrosse player Pat Spencer is starting, alongside late-second-round picks Will Richard and Quinten Post. The team also just got De’Anthony Melton back, who had 13 points and two steals in 17 minutes Sunday.
If Kuminga isn’t helping, he’s trade bait, though it’s unclear what kind of market there is for the 23-year-old. If nothing else, the Warriors, stuck at the first salary cap apron, want to at least swap Kuminga’s deal for a like-sized contract. But the idea that they’ll get a good return is unrealistic.
Granted, Kuminga also suffered a knee injury last month, and doesn’t seem outwardly upset by his limited minutes. He could well find himself back in the rotation based on matchups when the Warriors return home.
But if Kuminga isn’t playing, they might as well find him a new home. Perhaps he’ll thrive on another team, but if Gui Santos is outplaying him, there’s likely no future for Kuminga with Golden State.