Jonathan Kuminga’s name is once again swirling in trade talks - and this time, the noise feels a little louder, a little more real. According to a new report, the Warriors are expected to be open to moving the 23-year-old forward once he becomes trade-eligible on January 15. And with Golden State looking to retool around Stephen Curry, Kuminga’s value could be a key piece of the puzzle.
Let’s be clear: Kuminga hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations that come with being a lottery pick on a championship-caliber team. But that doesn’t mean he’s without value - far from it. His combination of size, athleticism, and flashes of two-way potential still make him one of the more intriguing young trade chips on the market.
And the timing of this report is no coincidence. The Warriors are searching for answers in a season that’s been anything but smooth.
They’re hovering in the middle of the Western Conference pack, and with Curry still playing at an elite level, the front office knows the window for contention won’t stay open forever. That puts pressure on every roster decision - and Kuminga, with a $22.5 million salary, could be the swing piece in a larger deal that brings back real help.
What makes Kuminga so interesting on the trade market is the upside he’s shown in spurts. Just look back at last postseason.
With Curry sidelined due to a calf strain during the Western Conference Semifinals against Minnesota, Kuminga stepped up in a big way. He averaged 20.8 points per game over five contests, shooting 54.3% from the field and a scorching 42.1% from deep.
That wasn’t just filler production - it was efficient, confident basketball in high-pressure moments.
He carried that momentum into the start of this season, where he looked like a player ready to turn the corner. Through the first month of the 2025-26 campaign, Kuminga was putting up 17.5 points per game while shooting 55.4% from the field and 45.0% from beyond the arc. He was attacking the rim with purpose, knocking down open looks, and showing more comfort within the flow of the offense.
But consistency has remained elusive. As the season’s worn on, Kuminga’s production has cooled, and so has his role.
That’s been a familiar pattern during his time in Golden State - stretches of promise followed by stretches of frustration. And in a Warriors system that demands high-level decision-making and defensive awareness, the margin for error is slim, especially for young players.
The reality? The Warriors need to make a move.
Whether it’s adding size, shooting, or defensive versatility, this roster has holes that need patching if they’re going to make a serious run in the West. Kuminga might not be the player to help them win now, but he could be the player who helps them land someone who can.
There’s still a lot to like about Kuminga’s game - and other teams know it. He’s just 23, with elite athletic tools and a growing offensive skill set.
In the right situation, with more touches and a longer leash, he could blossom into the kind of player the Warriors hoped he’d become. But Golden State doesn’t have the luxury of waiting.
Not with Curry still carrying the load and the championship clock ticking.
So as January 15 approaches, expect the trade chatter to heat up. Kuminga’s name will be in the mix - and if the right deal comes along, the Warriors may finally decide it’s time to cash in.