Jonathan Kuminga is in the news for all the wrong reasons again, and it's just a clear reminder that the Miami Heat made the right decision to pass on a trade for him back in the offseason.
Kuminga, who has been in and out of the lineup all season due to injuries, has reportedly requested a trade away from the Golden State Warriors on the first day that he officially becomes trade-eligible.
The Kuminga trade saga is nothing new. During the offseason, Kuminga tested restricted free agency, and he was the subject of a few trade inquiries. The Heat being one of them. However, in the end, the Heat didn't want to A) pay the trade compensation that the Warriors were seeking or B) pay Kuminga the contract that it was going to take to find an equal footing.
In the end, Kuminga ended up re-signing with the Warriors, and the Heat explored other options. I'd argue it's a decision that has paid dividends for Miami.
Jonathan Kuminga has been a disaster for the Warriors
Especially with how much Kuminga has struggled this season, it's a gamble that probably wouldn't have paid off for the Heat.
In 18 games played this season for the Warriors, Kuminga is averaging 12 points and six rebounds on 43 percent shooting from the field. There's an argument to be made that he isn't a clean fit on this Warriors' roster, but his inefficiency and lack of production are certainly concerning.
Had the Heat taken the gamble on Kuminga with these being the results, it wouldn't have been a great look for the franchise.
Interestingly enough, there is already a report out there that suggests Kuminga (and his camp) would welcome a trade to the Heat. But it is of note that it's also noted that the Heat haven't pursued Kuminga since the offseason.
Kuminga, who has requested a trade (per Shams), certainly would welcome Heat interest (as well as from some other teams). Miami hasn't pursued him since free agency.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 15, 2026
At this point, especially with all the other rumors that are swirling around Miami, it would be extremely surprising if that changed. The Heat have their hands full on both the Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo fronts that I can't imagine they'd all of a sudden pivot to Kuminga.
Could the front office make a call and do its due diligence? Absolutely, especially after their previous interest.
However, I'd think that the Heat would much rather continue down the path they are currently on with Morant and Giannis.
Maybe something changes between now and the NBA Trade deadline, but, for now, it does seem as if the Heat made the right decision to keep away from the Kuminga business.