Image Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Warriors Expected To Shop Jonathan Kuminga As Trade Eligibility Nears And Deadline Speculation Intensifies Across NBA

Image Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is expected to be shopped once he becomes trade‑eligible on January 15, according to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein. Multiple teams anticipate the franchise will explore his value ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, despite public support from teammates, including Jimmy Butler.

Stein noted that anticipation is building across the league that Jonathan Kuminga will be moved before the deadline, with observers describing the move as “inevitable.” The 23‑year‑old spent the summer in a tense restricted free agency battle before agreeing to a two‑year, $48.5 million contract in October. The deal includes a team option, a clause Golden State reportedly insisted upon to maintain flexibility.

Executives around the NBA now view Jonathan Kuminga as one of the most attractive mid‑tier assets available. One veteran front office member described him as “one of the best trade chips in the league.” His absence has added, as Kuminga missed his fifth straight game against Portland due to bilateral knee tendinitis. The Warriors are cautious with his recovery, but the timing has fueled further tension around his role and future.

An anonymous executive says Jonathan Kuminga is viewed as one of the best trade assets in the league, per @TheSteinLine

“He's not even eligible to be moved until Jan. 15, but it's no secret that the Warriors' hardball stance all summer with Kuminga in the sides' restricted free… pic.twitter.com/rh91K1uYxK
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 21, 2025

Rotation Changes Reignite Old Wounds For Jonathan Kuminga

SPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Kuminga “feels like the scapegoat again” amid the team’s slump and rotation changes. After a 4–1 start, Golden State fell into a 2–5 stretch, prompting head coach Steve Kerr to move Kuminga back to the bench. Slater noted that turnovers spiked and performance dipped, reopening old wounds as his role shifted.

Through nine games, Jonathan Kuminga averaged 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists, but turnovers rose from 2.4 to 3.1 per game during his final seven appearances before injury. Golden State then won three straight without him, intensifying speculation.

Jimmy Butler pushed back on criticism, insisting that Kuminga’s absence was not the reason for the team’s improvement. He emphasized defense, clearer roles, and sharper execution as more decisive factors.

Internally, the Warriors view Kuminga’s potential sixth‑man role as a way to feature him offensively and showcase him to suitors. Kerr’s new rotation highlights Moses Moody and rookie Will Richard alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler. Once healthy, Jonathan Kuminga is expected to return as a primary scoring option off the bench, giving him more touches and Golden State more leverage.

With his restriction lifting on January 15, the Warriors will have three weeks to gauge the market. His team‑friendly contract, athletic upside, and two‑way flashes make him one of the most pursued players expected to be available. Whether Golden State keeps him or moves him, Kuminga’s future in San Francisco appears increasingly uncertain.