Jonathan Kuminga’s Trade Push Puts Spotlight on Warriors’ Deadline Decisions
Jonathan Kuminga isn’t backing down from his trade request, and with the deadline fast approaching, the Warriors are facing some tough decisions. The 21-year-old forward is making the most of his renewed opportunity on the court, and Tuesday night was a prime example: 20 points and five rebounds in just 21 minutes. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed-especially when it comes from a player who’s made it clear he believes his future lies outside of Golden State.
Kuminga’s return to the rotation comes in the wake of a season-ending ACL injury to Jimmy Butler, which opened up minutes and a pathway back into the lineup. But even with the uptick in playing time, league sources say Kuminga hasn’t changed his stance. After five seasons of inconsistent minutes, he’s convinced he can thrive elsewhere-ideally as a starting power forward on a team that will give him the green light to grow.
Among the teams keeping close tabs on the situation, the Sacramento Kings are reportedly the most aggressive suitor. They made a run at Kuminga last summer in a sign-and-trade scenario and remain highly interested.
But they’re not alone. The Lakers, Mavericks, and Bulls are also believed to be in the mix, each with their own reasons to explore a move for the athletic, two-way forward.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. isn’t ruling anything out. He told reporters that the front office is open to parting with future first-round picks if the return is right.
They’re also willing to take on contracts that extend beyond next season, which isn’t a major concern given that Moses Moody is the only player currently under guaranteed contract for 2027-28. That flexibility gives Golden State room to maneuver-and to potentially chase a bigger prize.
According to reports, the Warriors are targeting either a proven star-like Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo-or a high-upside talent such as Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III. That’s a wide range of possibilities, but it speaks to the ambition of a front office that’s still trying to thread the needle between remaining competitive and building for the future.
“There’s still time left here,” Dunleavy said when asked about Kuminga’s situation. “He’s on our roster. I know the trade has been requested, but nothing is imminent and things in this league can change in a heartbeat.”
Around the Pacific Division: Clippers Surge, Lakers Slide, Ayton Update
The Clippers and Lakers are set to face off Thursday night at the new Intuit Dome, but they’re heading into the matchup on very different trajectories.
Since their last meeting on December 20, the Clippers have flipped the switch. After a rough start to the season, they’ve rattled off a 13-2 run and currently hold a slight edge in the battle for the Western Conference’s final play-in spot. It’s the kind of turnaround that speaks to chemistry finally clicking-and stars stepping up.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are trending the other way. They’ve dropped five of their last eight and are now deep into an eight-game road trip, a stretch dictated by the Grammy Awards taking over their home arena. It’s a brutal schedule, and the pressure is mounting.
“I’ve never been a part of a road trip that’s eight games,” Luka Doncic said after Tuesday’s win in Denver. “But it’s definitely very important to get the first one.
It’s never easy to play here. And the way we stayed together the whole game was impressive.
I think that builds us up.”
On the injury front, Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for Thursday’s showdown. He was sent home from the Clippers’ recent road trip for treatment on a left knee contusion suffered back on January 10 in Detroit. His status will be a key factor in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal game for both L.A. squads.
As for Deandre Ayton, he exited Tuesday’s game after taking a shot to the eye before halftime. The good news? He’s not listed on the Lakers’ injury report for Thursday, suggesting he avoided anything serious and should be good to go.
With the trade deadline looming and playoff races tightening, the Pacific Division is heating up-and the next few weeks could reshape the landscape in a big way.