As the clock struck midnight and Wednesday turned to Thursday, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga became trade-eligible.
Just a few hours later, Kuminga–who hasn’t appeared in a game since December 18th amid tension with head coach Steve Kerr–requested a trade out of the Bay Area, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
So, what’s next for the Jonathan Kuminga saga?
The Athletic‘s Sam Amick joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross on Thursday to share his intel on where things stand with Kuminga and the Warriors as he becomes available via trade and forecast if the Sacramento Kings are still in the thick of interested teams that want to trade for the forward.
Kuminga, who went through a lengthy stalemate with Golden State during the offseason as a restricted free agent, finally signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal (team-option for 2026-27) with the mindset that he would be moved down the line, potentially as soon as the upcoming trade deadline (February 5th).
On the day Kuminga became trade-eligible, his representation formally requested a trade out of the Bay Area–but according to Amick, this isn’t all that out of the ordinary.
“The Warriors hear from his camp all the time,” Amick said. “The day is finally here. That situation is pretty messy.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 14: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the first quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves 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)
(Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
More on Jonathan Kuminga & Ja Morant
On Jonathan Kuminga, Sam confirmed that Sacramento is still seeking a trade for the 23-year-old, though there is no assurance that Golden State can facilitate a deal without a third team.
During the offseason, the Kings’ offer for Kuminga included Malik Monk, who still has two years and $41 million remaining on his contract through 2027-28, and a protected first-round pick.
The Warriors didn’t have interest in Monk then, and they don’t now. Sacramento has since removed the first-round pick from offers for Kuminga as the forward’s stock has plummeted, but that doesn’t change the fact that Golden State wants more in return, meaning a third team will need to be involved.
“The Kings, in their talks with other teams, are keeping their eyes out for a third team to do this deal with the Warriors,” Amick said on Thursday. “The Warriors don’t want any money coming back beyond this season.”
One deal that could work for Sacramento and Golden State would be the inclusion of the Brooklyn Nets, who currently roster forward Michael Porter Jr. The Warriors have been linked to Porter, who is currently having a breakout season in his first year away from the Denver Nuggets.
Denver has told interested teams they may hold onto Porter until the offseason, but you never know what could happen in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
If you’re expecting to see Jonathan Kuminga, Porter, or others move in the near term, you may be disappointed. Amick, among others in the industry, doesn’t expect much movement until the deadline gets closer.
“I don’t think today moves the needle. I think the only clock and date that matters is February 5th. Maybe the Warriors’ phones ring a little bit today.”
Aside from Kuminga trade talk, Amick dives into reports that the Kings hold interest in trading for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and shares his thoughts on Mike Brown’s return to Sacramento.
Check out the full interview with The Athletic’s Sam Amick by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will continue a season-long seven-game homestand on Friday night when it faces former second-overall pick Marvin Bagley III and the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center.
Bagley is averaging 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 62 percent shooting from the field for the Wizards this season.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Washington Wizards action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Friday, January 16th – vs. Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, January 18th – vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 6:00 PM PT
Tuesday, January 20th – vs. Miami Heat – 7:00 PM PT
Wednesday, January 21st – vs. Toronto Raptors – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, January 23rd – @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 4:30 PM PT
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