Steve Kerr is no longer playing former No. 7 overall pick Jonathan Kuminga, who soon becomes trade eligible.
Kuminga, who has vanished from the Warriors’ rotation after signing a two-year, $48.5 million deal during restricted free agency, becomes trade eligible on January 15. He has not played since December 18 and has not played meaningful minutes since December 6.
While he was expected to return to action on January 2, Kerr told reporters before the game that Kuminga was suffering from back soreness.
Based on everything we know, especially considering the parties have reportedly had numerous unsuccessful meetings to resolve the issue, it is entirely possible that Kuminga has already played his final game for the Warriors. ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the Warriors are “open” to a trade, which is far from surprising.
Here are a few teams that may have some interest in trading for him between once he becomes eligible for a trade next Thursday and before the February 5 deadline.
The Sacramento Kings, by far, are the most likely candidate to consider as a trade destination for Kuminga. While the Kings also showed interest during the offseason, they have reportedly maintained their interest while other suitors like the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls have apparently waned a bit since then. However, ESPN’s Marc Spears has reported that Kuminga “wants” to go to the Kings.
As the Portland Trail Blazers continue to rely on younger talent, veteran forward Jerami Grant is no longer in the rotation. Perhaps the Trail Blazers would have interest in swapping out some parts by exploring what Kuminga may have to offer.
One team consistently mentioned by reporters as a possible destination for Kuminga is the New Orleans Pelicans. The Warriors may have to attach multiple first-round picks to land a player like Trey Murphy or Herb Jones as a return, but that is likely a big win for the organization if they can pull it off.
Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor briefly mentioned the Washington Wizards as a potential suitor for Kuminga, and while he didn’t elaborate on the potential fit, that’s another team to keep an eye on as the trade talks intensify. The Wizards were also recently linked to Trae Young, so that situation is worth monitoring as well.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Mavericks “do have interest” in trading for Kuminga before the deadline. They were also recently linked to former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, suggesting the current front office may want to gamble on former lottery forwards who have not yet reached their potential.