The Golden State Warriors are trying to figure out which additions their roster needs as they remain in a win-now window with their core players only getting older. One name to watch ahead of the trade deadline is young forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has requested a trade after not playing much this season.
“On the first day he became eligible to be moved, fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, league sources told ESPN. Kuminga could not be traded until Thursday, according to the terms of the contract he signed this summer,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
A nightmare unfolded earlier this week when veteran Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The Warriors are now in a difficult position heading into the trade deadline, and their next move remains unclear.
“Golden State Warriors wing Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn right ACL in Monday night's 135-112 win over the Miami Heat, the team said, effectively throwing the future direction of the franchise into question,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote.
The Warriors are in the midst of trying to build momentum to avoid the Play-In Tournament when the time comes. With Butler sidelined, Kuminga has worked his way back into the rotation and could even become a starter at some point. However, when franchise star Stephen Curry was asked about the deadline, he didn’t hold back.
“I’m not talking about that right now…I don’t need (to give) any existential thoughts right now,” Curry said.
It’s safe to say Curry isn’t worried about what the Warriors will do at the deadline, as his focus remains on winning basketball games. Still, the Warriors know they need to act now that Butler is out for the season.
For Curry, the plan is simple: keep playing basketball and lead his team to wins. While there is no clear direction for the Warriors at the deadline, it’s clear that Curry wants no part of the speculation.