Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on October 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Over the offseason, Jonathan Kumimga was the most sought-after name in NBA trade rumors. His present and future with the Golden State Warriors looked rocky, and it was expected that he would be dealt away shortly after signing a new contract.
With his new deal secured, Kuminga is off to the best start of his career. He seems to be bought in on both ends of the floor and is playing productive basketball. However, after the Warriors’ most recent win over the San Antonio Spurs, Kuminga has been demoted.
In that contest, he played only 12 minutes, failing to score a point. Steve Kerr opted to start Will Richard instead, and the rookie found success. Despite a solid start to the season, Kuminga’s future in Golden State is still up in the air.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 14: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shakes hands with Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors after winning Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors Should Trade Kuminga
Kuminga is not a bad player by any means. However, he has long expressed a desire to be the centerpiece of a franchise. Stephen Curry is still going strong, so that won’t happen anytime soon.
Kuminga is on a team-friendly two-year deal. The Warriors could easily flip him to a young team for a win-now talent who better fits their core. Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are running the show in Golden State. The Warriors don’t have room for a player with any aspirations other than team success.
When the Warriors drafted Kuminga in 2021, they expected that he would eventually take over as a key piece as the Warriors rebuild. However, Curry’s dominance has lasted much longer than anyone thought. He is still an elite player, and the Warriors won’t be ready to restart anytime soon. Kuminga would best be served to play elsewhere, and wth his new deal, his value should be higher than it was this summer.
Teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and even the Houston Rockets could use a player with Kuminga’s skillset and with his same timeline. There would be interest for him around the NBA.
After a solid start to the season, the Warriors’ interest in trading him seems to have waned, although they would be better off trading him before it’s too late.
Kuminga Doesn’t Fit Golden State Warriors’ Vision
Priority number one for the Golden State needs to be maximizing Curry. He still plays at an All-NBA level, and the veterans the Warriors have surrounded him with understand that he is still the focal point.
The same might not be true for the young players.
Despite a solid individual start to the season for Kuminga, he is yet to find team success, especially with the best players the Warriors have to offer.
Lineup/Stat Minutes Played Points per 100 Possessions Compared to OPP. FG% Compared to Opp. FG%
Kuminga/Curry 250 -1.2 -.007%
Kuminga/Butler 186 +6.8 +.001%
Kuminga/Green 220 +9.0 +.042%
Warriors’ Average 3146 -0.4 -.19%
While Green and Butler can coexist with Kuminga, his score-first offensive style has limited the success he’s found with Curry. Of course, Butler and Green are able to maximize the greatest shooter ever, and maximize themselves. Kuminga, on the other hand, is at his best without Curry, and vice versa.
If you can’t play with Curry, there’s not a lot of room for you on the roster.