Jonathan Kuminga’s Future in Golden State Hangs in the Balance as Trade Deadline Nears
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 6, the Jonathan Kuminga situation in Golden State remains one of the league’s more intriguing storylines. The Warriors, their locker room, and a fanbase that’s grown increasingly restless are all waiting to see how this plays out-and as of now, one potential destination has taken itself off the board.
The New Orleans Pelicans, who’ve been hovering near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, are reportedly no longer pursuing Kuminga. That’s a blow for Golden State, which has been trying to find a new home for the 23-year-old forward amid a rocky season and an even rockier relationship with head coach Steve Kerr.
This isn’t a new development for the Warriors. The Kuminga conundrum has been simmering for over a year.
Despite the front office showing faith in the former lottery pick with a two-year, $48 million extension, his role under Kerr has remained inconsistent at best. That disconnect hit a boiling point when Kuminga was hit with 16 consecutive DNPs earlier this season-a stretch that ultimately led to a public trade request.
At this point, it feels like both sides need a fresh start. The Warriors are clearly in win-now mode, and Kuminga, with his athleticism and untapped potential, needs a system that gives him room to grow. The question is: who’s willing to take the leap?
Initially, NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reported that New Orleans was in the mix, with names like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones floating around as potential trade chips. But Robinson has since walked that back, citing a source close to the Pelicans who said the interest “was never real.” So scratch the Pelicans off the list.
That leaves three Western Conference teams still keeping tabs on Kuminga: the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks.
Let’s break that down.
Sacramento Kings: This might be the cleanest fit for Kuminga from a basketball standpoint. The Kings could offer him a legitimate starting role, and their up-tempo style would allow him to thrive in transition-one of his biggest strengths.
Sacramento’s rotation could use another long, athletic wing who can defend and finish at the rim. If they’re serious about taking the next step in the West, Kuminga could help bridge the gap between potential and production.
Dallas Mavericks: Another team where Kuminga could see real minutes. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving dominate the ball, but Dallas has been looking for more athleticism and energy on the wing.
Kuminga fits that mold. He wouldn’t be asked to carry a heavy offensive load, but he’d have the chance to carve out a meaningful role-especially as a slasher and secondary scorer.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers, according to Robinson, see Kuminga more as a high-upside bench piece than a starter. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis anchoring the starting unit, Kuminga could be tasked with leading the second group-bringing energy, scoring punch, and defensive versatility. For a team that’s struggled with consistency off the bench, that kind of role could be invaluable.
What makes this all so frustrating for Warriors fans is the sense of missed opportunity. Kuminga is just 23.
He’s an elite athlete, explosive in the open floor, and has shown flashes of being a two-way difference-maker. But he needs reps-real ones, not garbage time minutes or short bursts off the bench.
And right now, Golden State just isn’t giving him that.
Whether it’s the Kings, Mavs, Lakers, or a surprise suitor, someone’s going to take a swing on Kuminga. And when they do, don’t be surprised if he flourishes. He’s too talented to be collecting dust at the end of the bench.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are reportedly exploring other trade options in an effort to turn their season around. One rumored scenario involves sending Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole to Memphis in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ja Morant, who has also requested a trade. That’s a blockbuster in its own right, but for now, the focus in Golden State remains on Kuminga-and whether the Warriors will finally pull the trigger on a deal that feels long overdue.