Jonathan Kuminga demands a trade after months of mixed-signals from Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga has finally spoken and demanded a trade. Months of speculation and indecisiveness from the Warriors' front office seem to have finally broken the camel’s back, as Kuminga is ready to leave. This news broke on the internet right when Kuminga became available for trade. As per ESPN, under his current contract, the 23-year-old cannot get traded before Thursday, i.e., January 15th. But right after becoming eligible, he didn’t wait to demand a trade. With the NBA’s trade deadline set on February 5, Kuminga has almost 3 weeks to see and decide. Jonathan was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2021 as the 7th pick and made his NBA debut on October 30th of the same year. He contributed with 3 points and 1 steal in the Warriors' 103-82 win over the City Thunder. His journey with Warriors was not so golden. Over the last month. Kuminga saw his role’s demand diminishing and was stuck in a limbo of will they or won’t they with the Warriors. But it seems like he finally got clarity. On the latest episode of 95.7 FM The Game, when Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked, “It is so noticeable that when the bench gets emptied, there’s still a guy that doesn’t come off the bench. So, even in what they call garbage time, why does Jonathan Kuminga not go in at that point?"To this, Kerr replied, “ I’m just saying it's a difficult situation. I think you guys know it. Everybody knows it. I’m just going to leave it at that. It’s a difficult situation. And nobody’s winning right now in this situation, and it’s unfortunate, but it is what it is.” In September 2025, Jonathan Kumniga signed a 2-year, $46 million contract with Warriors which will pay him an annual salary of $22.5 million for the 2025-26 season. Since his draft in 2021 to 2026, Kuminga has played in a total of 276 matches for the Warriors, but only started in 97 while averaging 22.2 minutes per game. For a 5th-year player, these stats might not look decent. This season, he has only played in 18 of 41 matches and averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2,6 assists while shooting 43.1% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are among the franchises that have shown interest in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga. Which team will Kuminga choose? Only time will tell. Also read: Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic (1-15-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more