Jonathan Kuminga Requests Trade from Warriors Post-Contract Restriction Lift

Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has formally requested a trade, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This development follows the lifting of his trade restrictions on January 15, which had been imposed after the new contract he signed last offseason.

Kuminga’s desire to move on from Golden State has been apparent since his tumultuous contract negotiations, where he entered restricted free agency. Despite his wish for a change, the Warriors opted to secure him with a two-year deal worth $47 million.

Kuminga’s Performance and Challenges

At 22 years old, Kuminga’s potential as a skilled scorer has been evident since he joined the league. However, he has struggled to showcase his abilities effectively within the Warriors system. This season, he averaged 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 43.1% from the field across 18 games.

Injuries and underperformance led to his benching in December, where he has not logged significant playing time since December 6. His last appearance was on December 18, during which he played only nine minutes.

Fit Within the Warriors

The Warriors’ acquisition of Jimmy Butler last season complicated Kuminga’s role on the team. Coach Steve Kerr has used him sparingly, especially during crucial playoff moments, highlighting Kuminga’s struggle to fit into the current roster. Following internal discussions, many key figures within the team agree that a trade may be necessary.

Trade Considerations

• The Kings and Mavericks have previously expressed interest in Kuminga.
• The Warriors are hesitant to take on long-term salary in any trade.
• Decision-makers have provided no guarantees about a trade before the deadline.

As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Warriors find themselves sitting at eighth in the Western Conference with a 22-19 record. There is speculation regarding Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy’s actions and whether he will trade Kuminga to maintain team chemistry during a pivotal season.

The situation presents a significant narrative for the team. The decision on whether to part ways with Kuminga now could impact their playoff aspirations, particularly during what may be one of Steph Curry’s last high-performance seasons.