SAN FRANCISCO — The writing has been on the wall for months, but the message is now undeniable: Jonathan Kuminga wants out of the Bay Area.
According to reports breaking this weekend from ESPN and The Athletic, the 23-year-old forward formally requested a trade on Thursday, January 15—the very first day he became contractually eligible to be moved. The demand marks the likely end of the “Two Timelines” era for the Golden State Warriors, a strategy that has slowly unraveled as the franchise tries to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry’s prime.
The Breaking Point
The tension between Kuminga and the Warriors’ coaching staff, specifically Head Coach Steve Kerr, has reached a boiling point. Despite signing a two-year, $46.8 million extension in September 2025, Kuminga’s role has evaporated.
Once viewed as the heir apparent to the Warriors’ dynasty, Kuminga has been a DNP (Did Not Play) in 13 of the last 15 games, effectively falling out of the rotation entirely. The frustration stems from a disconnect in philosophy: Kuminga views himself as a star-in-waiting who needs on-ball reps, while Kerr has demanded he play a role-player function predicated on defense and rebounding—assignments the staff feels he hasn’t consistently fulfilled.
“He doesn’t want to be a role player. He wants to be a star,” reported The Athletic earlier this week. “But his self-awareness in that sense is nonexistent.”
Who Is Watching?
With the February 5th trade deadline less than three weeks away, the market for the athletic wing is heating up, though his value has taken a hit due to his recent benching.
1. Sacramento Kings The Kings have been linked to Kuminga for over a year. Reports suggest Sacramento views him as the explosive forward they need to pair with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. However, the Kings are reportedly hesitant to include Malik Monk in any deal—a piece the Warriors previously coveted.
2. Dallas Mavericks A new suitor emerging in the last 48 hours is the Dallas Mavericks. With Luka Dončić needing more athletic help on the wing, Dallas could view Kuminga as a distressed asset worth rehabilitating. Rumors of a massive multi-team deal involving Kuminga heading to Dallas have circulated, though Golden State is reportedly prioritizing “win-now” veterans rather than future draft capital.
3. Brooklyn Nets The Nets remain a dark horse. Golden State has long admired Brooklyn’s versatile wings, and a package centered around Kuminga for a proven shooter could be the “all-in” move Mike Dunleavy Jr. is looking for.
“Business as Usual”
Despite the distraction, the Warriors have managed to keep the ship steady, securing a 126-113 victory over the New York Knicks on the night the trade demand went public. However, the situation in the locker room is reportedly “awkward,” with veterans like Draymond Green acknowledging the shift in vibes.
The Warriors now face a deadline. Holding onto a disgruntled young player who isn’t playing helps no one. Kuminga’s contract structure a manageable $22.5 million this year with a team option for 2026-27 makes him a relatively low-risk flyer for a rebuilding team.
For Golden State, the priority is clear: turn Kuminga into a player Kerr actually trusts to be on the floor in May.
