Rich Paul, Jonathan Kuminga
The standoff between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga reached a new phase once the forward officially became trade eligible. On the first day he could be moved under the terms of the contract he signed during the offseason, Kuminga requested a trade, league sources told ESPN. The NBA trade deadline sits on Feb. 5, leaving the organization with limited time to resolve a situation that has lingered for weeks.
Kuminga’s role had already slipped before the request became public. After opening the season as a starter and earning early praise from head coach Steve Kerr, a stretch of uneven play led to a rotation change. Since mid December, Kuminga has not appeared in a game, often listed as a healthy scratch. He also ruled himself out with back soreness shortly before a Jan. 2 matchup against Oklahoma City, a game Kerr had indicated he planned to use him in.
Team sources described the situation as one where multiple sides see the same ending. According to reporting, Kuminga, Kerr, and several veterans believe a trade represents the cleanest resolution, especially as the team searches for consistency in a season that has hovered around the middle of the Western Conference standings.
Rich Paul Weighs In on Kuminga Fit Questions
The discussion expanded beyond the Warriors’ locker room when Rich Paul addressed the situation during an episode of the Game Over podcast. Paul avoided criticizing any individual decision but framed the issue around fit and opportunity.
“I think a player of that caliber has the ability to play on most teams because of his talent,” Paul said. He added that each roster demands an adjustment to coaching philosophy and style of play, suggesting that circumstances matter as much as skill. Paul declined to speculate on playing time decisions, saying, “I won’t get into why somebody isn’t playing, that’s not my thing.” He concluded that, given how things appear, “maybe it’s just not a fit there,” while emphasizing that Kuminga could contribute elsewhere.
Paul’s comments mirrored the broader league perception surrounding Kuminga. The forward’s athletic tools and upside remain widely acknowledged, but his role within Golden State’s system has grown increasingly unclear as the season progressed.
NBA Courtside
Rich Paul on the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga playing time situation
“I think a player of that caliber has the ability to play on most teams because of his talent. When you’re on a specific team you have to dive into that teams style of play and how it fits, how the coach wants
Warriors Veterans Downplay Distraction Concerns
Inside the locker room, the message stayed consistent. After a 126 to 113 win over the New York Knicks, Stephen Curry addressed the trade request directly and dismissed the idea that it would derail the team’s focus. Curry stressed that the group understands the business side of the league and remains locked in on nightly preparation.
Jimmy Butler echoed that sentiment while voicing support for Kuminga as a teammate. “We love JK in this locker room,” Butler said, adding that the respect would not change regardless of where Kuminga ends up. Butler framed the situation as one rooted in professionalism, not personal conflict.
The Warriors’ veteran core has made it clear that the request does not fracture the group. Their stance reinforces Paul’s broader point, that Kuminga’s ability is not the question. The uncertainty lies in whether Golden State represents the right environment for him to thrive.
As the deadline approaches, Paul’s measured assessment stands out amid the noise. Kuminga’s talent remains evident, but the Warriors now face a decision on whether that talent aligns with their system, or whether a fresh start elsewhere offers the best path forward.