SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 05, 2025 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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At the start of the 2025-2026 NBA season, Jonathan Kuminga was already viewed as the Golden State Warriors’ most likely trade candidate. He signed on for a two-year deal, but it was clear he could be gone as soon as January 15.

Recent comments from Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy painted a tough reality for the Kuminga trade saga on Tuesday night.

“I think as far as the demand, I’m aware that. In terms of demand, you make a demand, there needs to be demand on the market,” Dunleavy said. “We’ll see how that unfolds.”

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The day that Kuminga became eligible for a trade was the day he officially requested one. Five days in, there hasn’t been a ton of movement on that front. Dunleavy seems to suggest that there isn’t much of a market for Golden State’s veteran forward right now.

“Always with these guys, I tell them I’m willing to work with them, I’m willing to help them out,” the GM added. “We’re good with that’s his wishes, we've got to figure that out, but we've got to do what’s best for the organization.”

Kuminga started in the first 13 games of the season. It didn’t take long before he completely fell out of the rotation. Since his last start on November 11, Kuminga has played in just five games.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors hugs a Golden State Warriors security guard before their game against the New York Knicks at Chase Center on January 15, 2026 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)

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Could Kuminga Get Back Into the Lineup?

Steve Kerr’s strategy has made it clear that Kuminga isn’t in his plans. Even with a shorthanded lineup, Kuminga hasn’t been getting on the court for the Warriors. With Jimmy Butler done for the year, there seems to be an opportunity opening for Kuminga to get back on the court.

“He could be [a part of the rotation],” Kerr told reporters on Tuesday. “He obviously hasn’t played in a while, but at this point, we have to experiment a little with rotations to see where we are, and he’s definitely a part of that conversation.”

While Kerr attempted to convince the public that he believes Kuminga is still bought in on the Warriors, the reality is that the veteran wants out. Despite being healthy, Kuminga has been riding the bench. For a player who wanted to have an increased role in 2025-2026, Kuminga’s worst-case scenario with the Warriors occurred.

If the Warriors aren’t able to move Kuminga before the February deadline, he’ll have to hope the team declines his option, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

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