Jonathan Kuminga Requests Trade from Warriors as Rotation Snub Reaches Breaking Point
The Jonathan Kuminga situation in Golden State has been simmering for a while, and now it’s officially reached a boiling point. As of January 15, the 21-year-old forward is trade-eligible - and he wasted no time making it clear he wants out. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kuminga has formally requested a trade, signaling the end of what’s become an increasingly strained relationship with the Warriors.
Let’s be real: this didn’t come out of nowhere. Kuminga hasn’t touched the floor in 13 straight games, a stunning fall from grace for a player once viewed as a key piece of the Warriors’ future. When a former lottery pick can’t crack the rotation of a team that’s been struggling for consistency, it raises eyebrows - and questions.
Golden State and Kuminga reportedly agree that it’s time to move on, and with the trade deadline looming, there’s real urgency here. The Warriors can’t afford to let this situation fester.
Not only would it continue to cast a shadow over the locker room, but it also risks devaluing Kuminga further if he’s just sitting on the bench every night. The challenge, though, is figuring out what kind of return they can realistically expect.
That’s where things get tricky. Kuminga’s talent isn’t in doubt - he’s an athletic, high-upside wing with flashes of two-way potential.
But the fact that Steve Kerr, one of the league’s most respected coaches, has deemed him unplayable right now? That’s going to give some front offices pause.
Kerr, who coached Team USA and has led the Warriors to four titles, doesn’t make these calls lightly.
Of course, context matters. Kerr has always leaned on guard-heavy lineups, and the Warriors’ spacing issues are well-documented.
Adding another wing who struggles to stretch the floor - especially with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green already operating in tight quarters - might’ve just been a poor tactical fit. That doesn’t mean Kuminga can’t thrive elsewhere.
And that’s exactly what a few teams are betting on. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly among the clubs showing early interest, and more are likely to join the mix.
Kuminga’s contract makes him especially appealing - he’s on a team-friendly deal with a $24.3 million team option for next season. That gives any acquiring team flexibility: if it works, great.
If not, they can pivot without much pain.
One team that could make sense? The Portland Trail Blazers.
While spacing remains a concern - and Portland certainly needs more shooting - this is a rare opportunity to add a 23-year-old former lottery pick to a growing young core. The Blazers are in asset-accumulation mode, and Kuminga fits their timeline.
He might not be a perfect fit today, but if he hits his stride, he could be a foundational piece for a team looking to climb the Western Conference ladder.
Ultimately, the market will dictate what Golden State can get in return. If multiple teams believe Kuminga just needs a fresh start, a bidding war could drive up his value.
That would be a win for the Warriors, who need to retool on the fly. But for now, one thing is clear: the Kuminga era in Golden State is nearing its end - and a new chapter could be just around the corner.