Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors
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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors runs onto the court for their game against the Denver Nuggets.
The Golden State Warriors are expected to discuss a potential Jonathan Kuminga trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
A part of that reason would be the Warriors’ reported interest in 3-and-D wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
“Along with the Pacers, another team the Warriors will likely talk with about Kuminga is the New Orleans Pelicans,” Siegel reported on November 28. “Both Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III are players the Warriors have great interest in, and they are the type of versatile wings the Dubs would want in a deal involving Kuminga.”
Both Murphy and Jones could be available for the right price, with the Pelicans being “open for business” before the February trade deadline, per an anonymous NBA scout.
Kuminga’s Next Home
Kuminga, who becomes trade-eligible on January 15, is widely expected to find a new home before the February 5 trade deadline.
The Congolese forward has lost his starting role with the Warriors, and his playing time off the bench has also gradually decreased. After averaging 30.8 minutes through his first six contests, Kuminga clocked 24.2 minutes from eight games through November. As such, it’s the NBA’s worst-kept secret that the Warriors will shop Kuminga the second he becomes eligible to be traded.
Siegel’s report listed the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers as other teams with interest in Kuminga. While the Suns and Kings made sign-and-trade offers to the Warriors for Kuminga last offseason, the Bulls reportedly discussed pursuing the forward but didn’t make any concrete offers. It is unknown if they still hold interest in acquiring the athletic wing, per Siegel.
“As far as suitors for Kuminga go, the regulars are still relevant. Interest from the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings will exist prior to the trade deadline, much like this past summer. It is unknown if the Chicago Bulls, who previously entertained the idea of pursuing Kuminga, will be interested this time around.”
Back From Injury
Kuminga returned to the Warriors for Saturday’s game against the Pelicans after missing six games with a knee issue. The 23-year-old made an immediate impact, hitting two huge threes in the fourth quarter in his team’s 104-96 win.
Warriors head coach felt Kuminga was “a little rusty” in his comeback, but made useful contributions off the bench.
“Thought he looked good,” Kerr said of Kuminga. “Obviously, he hit two big threes for us in the second half. His wind and his burst will come back. He’s a little rusty, but I thought he looked good for his first game back.”
Kuminga signed a two-year $48.5 million deal with the Warriors last offseason as a restricted free agent. Since his contract has a Team Option in 2026-27, many teams view him as “one of the best trade chips” in the league, per insider Marc Stein.