Jonathan Kuminga
Getty
Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors.
Jonathan Kuminga trade buzz is heating up ahead of the NBA trade deadline as the Golden State Warriors are being linked to a surprise center in emerging league chatter.
With less than a month to go before Feb. 5, Golden State is actively canvassing the market as it weighs how to reshape its roster for a postseason push.
The Warriors are actively canvassing the league on potential returns for the former No. 7 overall pick, according to multiple reports, as Kuminga has fallen out of Steve Kerr’s regular rotation and his long-term future with the franchise grows increasingly uncertain.
While the Warriors have historically resisted moving Kuminga because of his upside, league executives now believe the organization has reached an inflection point.
“The Warriors know this marriage is over,” NBA insider Brett Siegel said this week on ClutchPoints. “They need to trade him.”
That shift has sparked a wave of Kuminga trade rumors — and raised the possibility of a buy-low swing involving veteran center Myles Turner.
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Buzz
Kuminga, 23, remains an enticing asset around the league despite his diminished role in Golden State. His athleticism, age, and contract structure — which includes a team option — make him especially appealing to rebuilding teams and contenders alike.
Siegel explained why Kuminga’s value remains strong even as his role shrinks.
“Everybody knows he doesn’t want to be there,” Siegel said. “You’d think that drives the value down, but only slightly — because his contract is valuable and he’s still a 22- or 23-year-old athletic forward who has shown what he can be.”
Siegel pointed to Kuminga’s breakout moments during last year’s playoff run, particularly in the series against Minnesota when Stephen Curry was sidelined.
“He was the best player for the Warriors in that stretch,” Siegel said. “That speaks volumes to the kind of talent he could become.”
That upside is exactly why Golden State resisted moving him in prior years — and exactly why teams continue to call.
Myles Turner Emerges as Buy-Low Trade Candidate
The proposed trade would send Myles Turner to the Golden State Warriors
GettyMyles Turner was floated as a potential buy-low trade candidate for the Golden State Warriors.
One potential name tied to Kuminga discussions is Turner, who is in his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks after spending the first 10 years of his career in Indiana.
Turner’s production has dipped: 12.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 blocks while shooting 37.8% from three.
Turner has openly acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to his new role.
“I’ve been comfortable the past three, four years,” Turner told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “True growth happens in uncomfortable moments. I’m rolling with the punches.”
That context has fueled speculation that Turner — or another Bucks big — could be rerouted in a multi-team deal if Milwaukee shifts course.
Bucks Desperate for Help Around Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee’s situation adds urgency to the equation.
The Bucks’ disappointing 16–21 start has intensified pressure to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with more dynamic talent before the window narrows further.
Milwaukee previously expressed interest in Kuminga during the offseason, but talks stalled when Golden State asked for Bobby Portis in return, according to Siegel.
That calculus may be changing.
With the Bucks struggling to generate consistent offense outside of Antetokounmpo, Kuminga’s downhill athleticism and defensive versatility could be appealing — even if it requires patience.
Warriors’ Deadline Priorities Still Unclear
Importantly, Golden State does not view center as a pressing need at this deadline. The team remains encouraged by rookie Quinten Post and still sees situational value in Trayce Jackson-Davis.
But that does not preclude a multi-team structure that moves contracts around while allowing the Warriors to reshape their roster in other ways.
“Maybe there’s something that could be worked out,” Siegel said. “If Turner or Portis winds up on a team that doesn’t want them, that team might want to flip them.”
Will Warriors Finally Move On from Jonathan Kuminga?
For years, Golden State viewed Kuminga as a future cornerstone. Now, he appears more like the franchise’s most valuable trade chip.
With the Warriors hovering around the playoff line and Milwaukee growing increasingly desperate to maximize Giannis’ prime, both sides face pressure — and incentive — to act.
Whether the Warriors ultimately act or not, the Jonathan Kuminga trade buzz is unlikely to fade as the deadline approaches and contenders circle.
And with Feb. 5 rapidly approaching, that conversation may soon turn into action.