Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors
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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors hugs a Golden State Warriors security guard before a game.
The Golden State Warriors’ plans ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline have been dramatically altered by Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury, and one immediate consequence could be a delayed resolution to Jonathan Kuminga’s future.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors may have little choice but to hold on to Kuminga through the remainder of the season, revisit trade possibilities in the summer, and attempt to rebuild his value internally rather than forcing a deadline deal.
Marc Stein: Warriors Unlikely to Find Kuminga Trade That Changes Title Outlook
Writing in The Stein Line newsletter, Stein framed the Warriors’ dilemma bluntly with just over two weeks remaining before the deadline.
“Is there a Jonathan Kuminga trade out there that the Warriors can conceivably make in the next 15 days that cements them as a title contender this season? Hard to imagine,” Stein wrote. “The best short-term option might legitimately be trying to work Kuminga back into their rotation for the rest of the season — as badly as he wants to leave town — in hopes that his trade value rebounds.”
Stein added that the likely endgame would be postponing any resolution until the offseason, even if it means exercising Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season to preserve flexibility.
The Butler injury, which removed a key two-way wing from Golden State’s rotation, has narrowed the team’s margin for error and reduced its appetite for deals that fail to move the championship needle.
Jonathan Kuminga Makes Statement in Return to Warriors Rotation
Kuminga took a step toward that value-rebuilding plan Tuesday night, returning to the rotation for the first time since Dec. 18. Coming off the bench, the former lottery pick delivered an efficient performance, scoring 20 points with five rebounds and two assists in just 21 minutes.
The Warriors, however, were overwhelmed defensively in a 145-127 loss to the Toronto Raptors, underscoring how much Butler’s absence has exposed roster gaps.
Still, Kuminga’s energy stood out.
“He came in and had great energy, attacked the rim, made some shots,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “I thought JK was really good, and it’s a great sign with Jimmy out, obviously. There’s a hole at that spot on our roster, so JK is going to factor in here again.”
Kerr added that Kuminga’s readiness reflected his desire to be part of the rotation, a point that has been central to recent tensions.
Steve Kerr Sees Opportunity for Kuminga After Butler Injury
Before the game, Kerr said he believed Kuminga wanted to play and contribute, and his performance reinforced that belief. With Butler sidelined indefinitely, Golden State suddenly needs Kuminga’s athleticism, rim pressure, and defensive versatility more than ever.
Whether that opportunity translates into a sustained role remains one of the Warriors’ biggest questions over the season’s final months.
Warriors GM Addresses Kuminga Trade Request
Despite the on-court return, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. acknowledged that Kuminga has formally requested a trade.
“As far as the demand, I’m aware of that,” Dunleavy said during a news conference. “In terms of demands, when there’s a demand, there needs to be a demand on the market. So we’ll see how that unfolds.”
Dunleavy emphasized that the organization’s priority remains doing what is best for the franchise, even when players seek a change of scenery.
“I’m disappointed it hasn’t worked out better,” Dunleavy said. “But it is what it is. I know a trade has been requested. But nothing is imminent. Things in this league can change in a heartbeat, as they did last night. So he’s gotta be ready.”
The Butler injury, Dunleavy added, has forced the front office to reassess its options in real time.
Kuminga’s Agent Pushes Back on Market Narrative
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, responded publicly to Dunleavy’s comments, challenging the idea that demand for his client is lacking.
“Demand is sensitive to price or playing time,” Turner wrote on X. “So if a seller sees demand is low, lower the price point or let him play and demand will go.”
That statement aligns closely with Stein’s assessment: the clearest path to resolving Kuminga’s future may be allowing him to play, rebuild leverage, and revisit trade talks later.
Warriors’ Deadline Strategy Shifts Toward Patience
With Butler out and no obvious deal that elevates Golden State into true contention, patience may now be the Warriors’ most realistic option. Kuminga’s return to the rotation is not just a basketball decision — it is a strategic one that could shape both the remainder of the season and the franchise’s long-term flexibility.
For now, the Warriors appear headed toward an uneasy truce: play Kuminga, keep options open, and wait for a clearer path forward once the season ends.