NBA Swing: Lifted NBA Trade Restriction Gives Kuminga a Chance at Redemption

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With the passing of the January 15 trade milestone, the “two-timeline” era in Golden State has officially reached its breaking point. Trade restrictions have been lifted for nearly a dozen players who signed new deals in the 2025 offseason—including names like Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, and Naz Reid—but none carry the weight of Jonathan Kuminga.

On the very first day he was eligible to be moved, Kuminga formally demanded a trade, ending a tumultuous tenure in the Bay Area and setting the stage for a blockbuster move before the February 5 deadline.

A Breakdown of the “Perfect” Situation

Drafted 7th overall in 2021, Kuminga was supposed to be the bridge to the Warriors’ future. Instead, that bridge collapsed under the weight of high expectations and a shifting organizational philosophy.

The Stagnation: Despite a championship ring in his rookie year, Kuminga’s role never stabilized. Last season saw him drop to a career-low 47 games played, frequently buried on the bench under head coach Steve Kerr.
The 2025 Standoff: After a contentious summer of negotiations, Kuminga signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal with a team option for 2026-27. It was a “marriage of convenience” that has soured quickly.
The Silent Streak: This season, Kuminga has appeared in only 18 games (averaging 11.8 PPG). He has been completely glued to the bench, having not touched the court in the Warriors’ last 13 games.

The “What If” That Haunts the Warriors

A bombshell report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Nick Friedell, and Marcus Thompson III has added fuel to the fire. It revealed that Steve Kerr and several front-office members didn’t want Kuminga on draft night.

The Targeted Alternative: The coaching staff reportedly preferred Franz Wagner, who went one pick later at #8 to the Orlando Magic. Wagner has since blossomed into an All-Star, while Kuminga was largely a pick driven by team governor Joe Lacob to inject raw athleticism into an aging roster.

Potential Landing Spots

Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary is a manageable “mid-tier” contract, though the Warriors are reportedly prioritizing expiring contracts to maintain future flexibility around Stephen Curry.

Teams Linked to Kuminga:

Sacramento Kings: Have long shown interest, though negotiations have stalled over the Warriors’ refusal to take back Malik Monk’s long-term money.
Dallas Mavericks: Currently the most intriguing suitor. Rumors have swirled about a massive multi-team deal that could potentially bring Anthony Davis (who is currently in Dallas) to the Bay.
Chicago Bulls & Brooklyn Nets: Both teams are in a position to take a “flyer” on a 23-year-old with elite physical tools.

The Verdict: A Change of Scenery Needed

The Warriors have shifted their focus entirely toward maximizing Curry’s remaining years, recently adding veterans like Jimmy Butler to the mix. In a lineup featuring Butler and Draymond Green, Kuminga’s lack of spacing and defensive lapses made him an impossible fit for Kerr’s system.

While Kuminga remains a gamble, his flashes of brilliance—like his back-to-back 34-point games in 2024 and his 2025 playoff contributions—suggest that a star is still waiting to be unlocked. It just won’t happen in San Francisco.