With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, the league is buzzing with rumors, and few players are navigating this stretch with complete clarity. One name that continues to surface in those conversations is Jonathan Kuminga, whose situation with the Golden State Warriors has taken some sharp turns in recent weeks.
Earlier this season, Kuminga made headlines by requesting a trade - a move that reflected his frustration after falling out of the Warriors' regular rotation. For stretches, he was a DNP, as Golden State leaned on its veteran core in search of stability.
But that equation changed quickly after the team suffered a major blow: Jimmy Butler went down with a season-ending injury. Suddenly, the Warriors had no choice but to reshuffle their rotation and rethink their offensive identity.
That shift cracked the door back open for Kuminga - and he’s been stepping through it with purpose.
In 19 games this season, Kuminga is averaging 12.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in just under 25 minutes per game. Those numbers don’t just reflect his production - they also tell the story of a young player whose role has been anything but consistent.
Still, when he’s on the floor, he’s finding ways to contribute. And now, with minutes up for grabs, he’s reminding everyone - including opposing coaches - why he was once seen as a cornerstone piece.
Jason Kidd Takes Notice
Ahead of the Mavericks’ matchup with Golden State, Dallas head coach Jason Kidd was asked about Kuminga’s increased role. The timing was notable: Kuminga had just come off a strong performance against Toronto, where he dropped 20 points and grabbed five boards on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting night. That was his first game back in the rotation after sitting out 17 straight, and while the Warriors lost by 18, Kuminga’s energy stood out - especially in the second half.
“He got off to a slow start, but it picked up in the second half,” Kidd said. “He’s a young talent who can score, and we expect to see him tomorrow.”
That’s not just coach-speak. Kidd’s comments reflect the reality that Kuminga’s stock is rising again - not just within Golden State, but around the league. His ability to get downhill, finish through contact, and generate offense without needing a high usage rate makes him a compelling fit for teams looking to add athleticism and scoring punch to their rotation.
Kidd Talks Flagg, Floor Spacing, and Momentum
Kidd’s media availability wasn’t just about Kuminga. He also touched on the state of his own roster, particularly the return of Cooper Flagg. The rookie has been working his way back from injury, and Kidd liked what he saw.
“The athleticism, the balance, the spirit, the energy-it looked like he hadn’t been out,” Kidd said.
Flagg’s return has come at a time when the Mavericks are shooting the ball well from deep, and that’s made a noticeable difference in how the offense flows.
“Yeah, it becomes easier when you’re shooting the ball the way we’ve shot it the last three games,” Kidd noted. “The court tends to open up.
But even when we weren’t shooting it that way, he was still able to get to the paint. That’s just how good he is.”
That kind of spacing - and the ability to attack off it - is exactly why a player like Kuminga could be such an intriguing addition.
Trade Buzz Heating Up
Kidd’s praise of Kuminga didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Mavericks have reportedly shown real interest in the Warriors forward, and as the deadline nears, that interest could turn into something more serious. Of course, the trade landscape is rarely simple, and this situation is no exception.
Golden State’s valuation of Kuminga is reportedly high - as it should be, considering his age, athleticism, and upside. League chatter suggests the Warriors would want a significant return, potentially involving a player like Anthony Davis. That kind of framework is tough to build, especially for a Dallas team that’s trying to balance its present push with its long-term vision.
Still, from a basketball standpoint, the fit makes a lot of sense. Pairing Kuminga with Flagg would give the Mavericks a dynamic, young forward duo with the tools to defend multiple positions, run the floor, and create offense in different ways. Neither player needs the ball in his hands constantly to be effective, and both bring an edge that could elevate the team’s two-way ceiling.
Whether a deal gets done remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: Kuminga’s name isn’t just floating around the rumor mill - it’s gaining traction. And with his role expanding again in Golden State, he’s giving teams a fresh reminder of what he can bring to the table.