The NBA trade season is officially heating up, and the latest twist involves a former lottery pick looking for a fresh start. Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has reportedly requested a trade, just as he becomes eligible to be moved under league rules. It’s a significant development for both player and team, and it could reshape the landscape for a few franchises hoping to inject some athleticism and upside into their lineups.
Kuminga, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, signed a two-year, $46.8 million extension this past September. Because of the nature of that deal-he was a Bird Rights free agent receiving a raise of more than 20 percent-he couldn’t be traded until now. But with that restriction lifted, the 23-year-old is signaling that it’s time for a change of scenery.
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance in his five seasons with Golden State, but consistency and fit have always been question marks.
His explosive athleticism is undeniable, but adapting to Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy, pass-first system hasn’t come naturally. Add in his ongoing struggles from beyond the arc, and it’s been a tough puzzle to solve-especially when you’re sharing the floor with non-shooters like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
So where could Kuminga thrive? Here are three teams that make a lot of sense as potential landing spots-each offering a different kind of opportunity for the 6-foot-7 forward to unlock his potential.
1. Sacramento Kings
The Kings were reportedly one of the teams most interested in Kuminga last offseason, and their situation hasn’t improved much since. Sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference with a dismal 11-30 record, Sacramento is in desperate need of a shake-up. They’re struggling on both ends of the floor and could use an infusion of youth, athleticism, and upside-three boxes Kuminga checks.
Keegan Murray is probably the only untouchable on the Kings roster, but there are still some intriguing trade pieces. Keon Ellis brings defensive upside, and Malik Monk could be a valuable addition for Golden State as a scoring guard off the bench-especially when Steph Curry sits. Monk’s shooting and energy would fit nicely in a Warriors system that needs more spark from its second unit.
There’s also the possibility of a much bigger deal involving Domantas Sabonis, though that would require a massive package of players and picks. Still, Kuminga could get the green light to explore his full offensive game in Sacramento, a team clearly searching for a new identity.
2. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is in transition mode, especially with the front office looking toward the future beyond the Nico Harrison era. They’ve got Cooper Flagg on the rise, and now they’re looking for complementary talent with high upside. Kuminga fits that mold.
If the Warriors are eyeing help in the paint, Daniel Gafford could be a strong target. He’s a mobile big who brings rim protection and vertical spacing-two things Golden State has lacked. A potential trade could involve Kuminga and Buddy Hield heading to Dallas in exchange for Gafford and Klay Thompson, who might be open to a Bay Area reunion.
Now, Thompson isn’t the player he once was, but bringing him back to Golden State would be more than just a nostalgia play. Reuniting the Splash Brothers could give the Warriors one last push with Curry still at the helm, while Gafford would immediately address their frontcourt needs.
From Dallas’ perspective, moving off Thompson’s $17 million deal and bringing in a younger, cost-controlled shooter like Hield-plus a versatile forward in Kuminga-could be a smart long-term play.
3. Brooklyn Nets
If there’s a team tailor-made for a player like Kuminga, it might be Brooklyn. The Nets are in the early stages of a rebuild and could offer Kuminga the kind of runway he’s never had-minutes, touches, and the freedom to make mistakes and grow through them.
There’s also a potential win-win trade scenario here. Golden State would likely ask for Michael Porter Jr. in return, a player whose skill set fits beautifully into Kerr’s system. Porter is a knockdown shooter with size and a smooth offensive game, and while his $38 million salary is hefty, it’s more manageable than a full-blown max contract.
The Warriors would probably need to sweeten the pot to pry Porter loose, but the upside is clear. For Kuminga, Brooklyn could be the perfect place to prove he’s more than just a role player-he could be the guy. With no high-usage stars in his way, he’d have the chance to show whether he can handle the scoring load and become a true centerpiece.
What’s Next?
Kuminga’s trade request is more than just a player wanting out-it’s a signal that the Warriors’ youth experiment may be nearing its end. Golden State has tried to balance developing young talent with chasing titles, but that tightrope walk hasn’t paid off the way they hoped. With Curry still playing at a high level, the front office may now pivot toward maximizing the present.
For Kuminga, the next stop could define his career. He’s got the tools-now it’s about finding the right system, the right coach, and the right opportunity to put it all together.
And with the trade deadline looming on February 5, we won’t have to wait long to see how this unfolds.