Kings Still Eyeing Kuminga as Warriors Forward Exits Early with Injury Scare
Jonathan Kuminga’s rollercoaster season took another sharp turn Thursday night in Dallas. The 23-year-old forward left the Golden State Warriors' 123-115 loss to the Mavericks after suffering a left ankle twist and a hyperextended knee - both on the same play.
It happened late in the second quarter, when Kuminga took contact from Naji Marshall while attacking the rim. He hit the deck hard, and didn’t return.
Now, here’s the good news for both the Warriors and, interestingly, the Sacramento Kings: early tests suggest the injuries aren’t serious. Kuminga will undergo an MRI on Friday to confirm there’s no structural damage, but for now, there's a collective exhale across the Bay - and maybe even up I-80 in Sacramento.
Kuminga was efficient in his short stint Thursday, putting up 10 points in just nine minutes. He didn’t miss a shot - 3-for-3 from the field and 4-for-4 at the line - and looked like he was settling into a rhythm before the injury cut his night short.
The timing of this injury scare is especially notable given the trade chatter swirling around Kuminga. Sacramento has had its eyes on him for a while now.
Over the summer, the Kings explored a sign-and-trade with the Warriors while Kuminga was a restricted free agent. Talks didn’t materialize into a deal, and Kuminga ended up re-signing with Golden State on a two-year, $46.8 million contract.
But that hasn’t put the trade talk to bed. In fact, it’s only intensified.
Kuminga reportedly requested a trade last week, with the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming. Sacramento remains one of the most interested teams, though getting a deal done won’t be simple.
The Kings may need a third team involved unless Golden State softens its stance on players like Malik Monk or DeMar DeRozan - neither of whom has moved the needle for the Warriors so far.
Golden State’s front office might be forced to reevaluate its position, especially in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending knee injury. With Butler out, Kuminga was thrust back into Steve Kerr’s rotation earlier this week against Toronto.
After sitting out 16 straight games, he returned with a bang - 20 points in 21 minutes on 7-of-10 shooting. It was a reminder of what he brings to the floor: explosiveness, scoring efficiency, and a defensive presence that’s tough to teach.
Still, despite the uptick in minutes and opportunity, reports indicate that Kuminga’s relationship with the organization remains strained. His desire for a fresh start hasn’t wavered.
So here’s where things stand: Kuminga’s injury doesn’t appear serious, but it comes at a pivotal moment. The Warriors need his production with Butler sidelined.
The Kings still covet his upside and could push harder as the deadline nears. And Kuminga?
He’s caught in the middle - a young, talented forward trying to find his place, whether that’s in Golden State or somewhere else.
Sacramento’s interest isn’t going away. If anything, it might be heating up.