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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a dunk on the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Chase Center on October 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Tension between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga’s camp spilled into public view again this weekend, this time following pointed post-trade comments from general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, responded sharply on social media after Dunleavy referenced Kuminga’s availability while discussing newly acquired center Kristaps Porziņģis.
“Nasty stuff Mike D. The master of going low, without acting like you’re going low,” Turner wrote on X, punctuating the post with applause and laughing emojis.
Dunleavy’s Porziņģis Comments Spark Kuminga Agent’s Response
Turner’s remark followed Dunleavy’s post-deadline media availability Saturday, when the Warriors executive contrasted Porziņģis’ health outlook with that of a departing player.
“With where he’s at right now, where he’s been, we feel good about it,” Dunleavy said of Porziņģis. “On the other end of it, we’re sending out a player in a similar boat who struggled to stay on the floor.”
Though Kuminga was not named directly, the reference was widely interpreted as a pointed remark about the former Warriors forward, who was sidelined by injury at the time of the trade.
Warriors Pivot After Giannis Decision, Send Kuminga to Hawks
Golden State moved Kuminga and Buddy Hield late Wednesday night in a deal for Porziņģis after it became clear the Milwaukee Bucks would not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Kuminga, 23, had been central to the Warriors’ trade framework in Giannis discussions. When Milwaukee opted to keep its franchise star through the deadline, Golden State pivoted quickly, ending Kuminga’s uneven four-year run with the organization.
The move marked a turning point in a relationship that had grown increasingly strained amid fluctuating roles, injuries, and trade speculation.
Hawks Provide Injury Update on Kuminga
Following the trade, the Atlanta Hawks released an update on Kuminga’s health.
“Forward Jonathan Kuminga, who sustained a left knee bone bruise while playing for Golden State at Dallas on Jan. 22, will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break and an update will be provided at that time,” the team said in a statement.
Kuminga had missed six consecutive games before the deadline because of the injury.
Injuries and Role Uncertainty Defined Kuminga’s Final Months
Kuminga’s final stretch in Golden State was marked by inconsistent playing time and availability. The former No. 7 overall pick logged multiple coach’s decision DNPs in December and January before re-entering the rotation after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Jan. 19.
That return was brief. Kuminga sustained the knee injury days later, further complicating his standing as the deadline approached.
Prior Agent-GM Exchange Foreshadowed Split
Saturday’s exchange was not the first public disagreement between Turner and Dunleavy.
After Kuminga requested a trade earlier this season, Dunleavy addressed the situation candidly.
“As far as the demand, I’m aware of that,” Dunleavy said on Jan. 20. “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 added that the organization would continue acting in its own best interest.
“I’m disappointed it hasn’t worked out better,” he said. “But it is what it is. I know a trade has been requested. But nothing is imminent.”
Turner pushed back publicly, disputing the notion that demand for his client was lacking.
“Demand is sensitive to price or playing time,” Turner snapped back on X. “So if a seller sees demand is low, lower the price point or let him play and demand will go.”
Contentious Contract Talks Preceded Trade
The friction dated back further. During the offseason, Kuminga’s camp and the Warriors engaged in tense negotiations that spilled into public view before the sides agreed on a two-year, $48.5 million deal featuring a team option — a structure widely viewed around the league as trade-friendly.
That contract ultimately facilitated Kuminga’s departure, closing a chapter defined by promise, frustration, and unresolved fit.
As the Warriors move forward with Porziņģis and a reshaped frontcourt, Turner’s latest comments underscore that the breakup with Kuminga was not merely transactional — but personal, and far from quiet.