The tension between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors has been simmering for a while now, and at this point, it’s less of a basketball subplot and more of a full-blown saga. The former first-round pick has made it clear he wants out, and the Warriors-well, they’re not exactly rolling out the red carpet to make that happen.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. addressed the situation head-on, and his comments pulled no punches. When asked about Kuminga’s trade request, Dunleavy replied, *“As far as the demand, I'm aware of that.
I think in terms of demands, when you make a demand, there needs to be demand on the market... So we're good with, if that's his wishes, trying to figure that out.
But we've got to do what's best for our organization, and that's what we'll do.” *
That’s not just a GM doing damage control. That’s a pointed message-one that suggests the Warriors have explored their options and haven’t found a deal worth taking. Whether it’s a lack of interest around the league or just a lack of offers that meet Golden State’s standards, the implication is clear: the market isn’t exactly beating down the door for Kuminga right now.
This isn’t just about a player unhappy with his role. It’s about fit, timing, and value.
Kuminga’s athleticism and upside are undeniable, but his development hasn’t always aligned with the Warriors’ win-now mentality. The friction with head coach Steve Kerr has only added fuel to the fire, and it’s no secret that the two haven’t always seen eye to eye on how Kuminga should be used-or how much.
Despite the stalemate, Kuminga’s name continues to swirl in trade rumors. He’s been linked to a long list of teams, and while the Lakers have popped up in that conversation before, it’s hard to imagine Golden State making that kind of move within the conference-especially to a rival with championship aspirations of their own.
The situation took another turn with the news that Jimmy Butler will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. That injury doesn’t directly involve the Warriors, but it does shift the trade landscape.
Teams that were previously on the fringe may now be looking to make a move. And for Golden State, the need for reinforcements becomes even more urgent.
Ironically, Kuminga could be the kind of piece they need to stay competitive-but only if both sides can find common ground, which seems increasingly unlikely.
So where does that leave things? For now, the Warriors are holding firm, and Kuminga remains in limbo.
Dunleavy’s comments make it clear that Golden State isn’t going to rush into a deal just to appease a frustrated player. They’re going to do what’s best for the organization-and that might mean waiting until the right offer comes along, even if that means keeping Kuminga on the roster a little longer.
For fans watching from the outside-especially those in Los Angeles-it’s a reminder that even the most successful franchises can find themselves in messy situations. The Warriors have been the model of stability for a decade, but this is a real test of their front office’s patience and strategic vision.
The clock is ticking toward the trade deadline, and the Kuminga saga is far from over. Whether he stays or goes, the Warriors have a decision to make-and it’s one that could shape the direction of their season, and potentially their future.