Jonathan Kuminga’s Future in Flux as Trade Deadline Nears-Could the Warriors Make a Big Swing?
SAN FRANCISCO - As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, the Warriors find themselves in a familiar spot-hovering around playoff contention, searching for answers, and fielding calls about one of their most intriguing young assets: Jonathan Kuminga.
At just 23 years old, Kuminga has become the centerpiece of countless trade scenarios, his name circulating among at least a half-dozen teams in recent months. And now, with the deadline looming Thursday, the buzz has only intensified.
One of the more eye-popping rumors? Kuminga potentially headlining a package for none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Let’s be clear-deals of that magnitude rarely materialize midseason, but the chatter underscores just how much value teams around the league see in Kuminga. He’s not just a throw-in or a developmental flyer. He’s a player with upside, athleticism, and flashes of star potential-something the Warriors have seen in spurts, even if consistency has been elusive.
Kuminga’s Health and Role in Limbo
Kuminga has missed the Warriors’ last four games due to knee soreness, though head coach Steve Kerr offered a bit of optimism during Saturday’s media session.
“He said he was feeling better,” Kerr shared, referencing a postgame conversation following Friday’s loss to Detroit. “He got a workout in today before our practice, so he’s improving.
He’s getting closer to being able to play. I don’t know what his status will be for Tuesday (against the 76ers).”
Before this recent absence, Kuminga had already endured a 16-game stretch on the sidelines earlier in the season. When he returned, he wasted no time making an impact-scoring 30 points in 30 minutes across two games before tweaking his knee again on Jan. 22 against Dallas.
Whether he’s been on the court, on the bench, or in trade rumors, Kuminga’s presence continues to loom large over the Warriors’ plans. Internally, there’s a sense that he wants a bigger role-something that might be more available outside the Bay Area.
And externally? Teams are circling, wondering if Golden State might finally be ready to move on from their high-upside forward.
Sacramento’s Moves Don’t Close the Door
The Kings have been one of the teams most consistently linked to Kuminga, but their first trade ahead of the deadline didn’t involve the Warriors’ forward.
Instead, Sacramento shipped out defensive-minded guard Keon Ellis-long considered a potential piece in a Kuminga trade-along with former Warrior Dennis Schroder to Cleveland in a deal centered around Cavaliers wing De’Andre Hunter.
Meanwhile, the Bulls, another team connected to Kuminga in trade speculation, made a separate move-bringing in Dario Saric (a familiar face in Golden State) from Sacramento, along with a pair of second-round picks to balance the books.
So, does this mean the Kings are out of the Kuminga sweepstakes? Not necessarily.
According to national reports, the Warriors have expressed interest in De’Andre Hunter, who’s averaging 14.7 points per game over his career and brings a two-way presence that Golden State could use in the frontcourt. Both Hunter and Kuminga are on similar contracts-each making around $23 million this season-making a one-for-one swap financially viable.
Hunter may not have the star power of Antetokounmpo or the playmaking chops of a Jimmy Butler (who’s sidelined with a torn ACL), but he would provide Golden State with a steady, versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. It’s the kind of fit that could help stabilize a rotation that’s struggled to find consistency all year.
Warriors Eyeing Marginal Moves Too
While much of the attention is on bigger names, the Warriors could also look to make smaller moves around the edges of the roster. On Sunday, the Hawks sent guard Vit Krejci to Portland for center Duop Reath and two second-round picks-a minor deal by most standards, but the kind that contending teams often explore to shore up depth and flexibility.
With the trade deadline just days away, the Warriors have options. They can stay the course and hope Kuminga’s development continues in-house.
They can explore a mid-tier upgrade like Hunter. Or they can swing for the fences-if the right superstar becomes available.
What’s clear is this: Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the most talked-about names in trade circles. And whether he’s still wearing a Warriors uniform after Thursday could shape not just Golden State’s season, but their long-term future.