Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Golden State Warriors appears increasingly uncertain, as the franchise is prepared to discuss trade scenarios for the 23-year-old forward once he becomes eligible to be moved on January 15, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Golden State wants to find upgrades on its roster, and Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary could be used in bigger trade scenarios,” Charania reported, signaling the most definitive public indication that the Warriors are ready to leverage Kuminga as part of a potential midseason roster overhaul.
The Warriors previously held discussions with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings in sign-and-trade frameworks involving Kuminga last summer, though neither progressed to advanced stages, per multiple reports.
Kuminga Removed From Rotation as Role Continues to Shrink
The timing of the trade developments arrives during another puzzling twist in Kuminga’s fluctuating role. Fresh off missing two weeks with knee tendinitis in November, Kuminga was a DNP–CD in Golden State’s blowout win Sunday in Chicago — not seeing the floor even in garbage time.
Instead of frustration, Kuminga played down the benching.
“Whenever my number gets called, I’ll be ready,” Kuminga said, adding he understood the coaching decisions as long as the Warriors continue winning.
His absence coincided with Jimmy Butler’s return, while Gui Santos, rookie Will Richard and Moses Moody absorbed the available wing minutes, raising eyebrows inside and outside the organization.
Steve Kerr Publicly Challenges Kuminga to Improve
Before Saturday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach Steve Kerr appeared to indirectly address his young forward’s shortcomings, calling for more urgency and discipline.
“With JK, always run the floor. Take care of the ball. Turnovers have been an issue lately,” Kerr said. “I want him to be the first guy down the floor, not the last.”
Since returning from injury, Kuminga has struggled to regain rhythm, averaging 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists over his last four games while shooting 30% from the field and just 50% from the line.
Kerr defended the benching by pointing to league reality:
“Happens to everybody pretty much other than the stars,” Kerr told reporters, noting players cycle in and out of rotations based on performance and availability.
He referenced Santos as the latest example of competition:
“There’s always someone knocking down the door… It’s on everybody to compete.”
Trade Market Value: Salary Slot Could Be Key in Larger Deal
Kuminga’s $22.5 million contract may prove valuable not solely because of his upside, but because it can serve as the primary matching salary in a sizable trade — something the Warriors lacked in recent years.
Golden State is widely expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline, seeking athleticism, scoring punch, and two-way size to support aging stars and an inconsistent second unit.
NBA executives view Kuminga as a player with real value — but also one who may benefit from a more defined role elsewhere rather than inconsistent minutes on a veteran-heavy contender.
What’s Next for Kuminga and Golden State?
While Kuminga has maintained professionalism publicly, the writing appears clearer than ever: if the Warriors pursue a significant midseason upgrade, his name will be in the trade call.
And unless circumstances change dramatically before January 15, the former No. 7 pick may be entering the final chapter of his Warriors tenure — one that began with promise, flashes of star potential, and now, looming uncertainty.
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