Sources: Jonathan Kuminga Demands Trade Away from Warriors - ESPN
- Anthony Slater
- Jan 15, 2026, 10:28 AM ET
SAN FRANCISCO -- On the first day he becomes eligible to be traded, fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, league sources tell ESPN. This move comes as a result of the contract he signed this summer, which prevented him from being traded until January 15th. The trade deadline is set for February 5th.
Kuminga's journey with the Warriors has been a rollercoaster. He started the season strongly, with coach Steve Kerr praising him as a secure starter. However, a slump in performance led to his demotion, which was a difficult blow for the 23-year-old. Kuminga has not played in the last 13 games, and his situation has become increasingly inactive. Team sources suggest that all major figures involved, including Kuminga, Kerr, and the veterans, agree that trading Kuminga before the deadline is the best resolution for everyone.
Kerr expressed disappointment, stating that he hoped things would continue as they had in the initial weeks. The Warriors had a challenging summer, negotiating a contract with Kuminga that included a two-year, $46.8 million deal with a team option for the second season. This structure, which Kuminga felt pressured to accept, strained his relationship with management, according to league sources. The goal was to create a tradeable contract for the deadline.
General Manager Mike Dunleavy and his front office have been actively exploring the market for Kuminga. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks have shown interest, along with several other teams, due to his flexible contract. Kuminga has a $24.3 million team option for next season, making him an attractive expiring deal.
The Warriors are prioritizing expiring contracts in return for Kuminga, and they are not interested in taking on long-term contracts unless they offer significant value. This has been a hurdle in negotiations with the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors are also not keen on absorbing the remaining deal of Malik Monk, but Keon Ellis, on a cheap expiring deal, is a potential sweetener.
As of this week, the Warriors have not engaged in trade discussions with the Brooklyn Nets for Michael Porter Jr. They have shown interest in Trey Murphy III in the past, but the New Orleans Pelicans are not considering any trade offers for their young wings. If a suitable star player becomes available, the Warriors are willing to trade multiple first-round draft picks, but they are more protective of their 2028 and beyond picks.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the Warriors' decision-makers have given no guarantees about trading Kuminga before the deadline, believing it might be better to push the decision to the summer. However, rival executives believe this stance is a bluff, and they expect Kuminga to be moved soon.
