Jimmy Butler Stands by Jonathan Kuminga Amid Trade Rumors and DNPs

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors’ 123-114 win over the Utah Jazz on Jan. 3, 2026, offered a much-needed boost to a team navigating a turbulent season. Yet for Jonathan Kuminga, the game underscored a continuing pattern of uncertainty. The young forward was sidelined with his 10th DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) in 12 games, a statistic that has fueled trade speculation and prompted questions about his future with the franchise. With the Jan. 15 expiration of his trade restriction looming, the 23-year-old’s tenure with the Warriors is approaching a potential turning point.

But in the midst of this professional limbo, one figure has remained a constant source of support for Kuminga: Jimmy Butler. The Miami Heat veteran, who joined Golden State in a blockbuster deadline trade last season, has taken it upon himself to mentor the young forward both on and off the court, emphasizing that personal bonds transcend the unpredictability of the NBA business.

“He better come to my house tonight, eat dinner, play some Uno or some dominoes,” Butler joked after the Warriors’ win, speaking to the camaraderie that has developed between the two. “That’s my brother. I [couldn’t] care less if he’s out of the rotation. We hang out. That’s my friend; that’s my brother. That’s not going to change. Basketball is basketball. I love him like a brother now. I wish him the best. And I still see him here getting his work in, so his mind’s right.”

Butler further emphasized that their relationship remains unshaken regardless of trade chatter:

“His future, that’s between him and whoever else. That bond we’ve built…no future (decision) will change that,” he said. “You be the pro of pros. Come here and get your work done. Smile.”

A Veteran Mentor for a Young Talent

Since arriving in Golden State, Butler has assumed a leadership role for Kuminga. The mentorship extends beyond the basketball court: whether through extra practice sessions, strategy discussions, or personal visits, Butler has worked to help Kuminga navigate the pressures of professional basketball.

“I feel like in this league he’s one of the people who’s actually been in my shoes throughout their career,” Kuminga said earlier this season. “Knows what I’ve been going through. What I’ve been through.”

Early in the 2025–26 season, this guidance appeared to be paying dividends. The Warriors opened the year 4-1, with Kuminga starting alongside Butler, executing the tasks Steve Kerr outlined for him—defending at a high level, rebounding, complementing stars off the ball, and running the floor effectively. It seemed that Kuminga was poised to take the leap the Warriors had envisioned when acquiring him.

Injuries and an Uneven Fit

But the trajectory shifted midway through the season. Kuminga missed eight games due to bilateral knee tendinitis, and his return has not fully recaptured the magic from the season’s early stages. Despite flashes of his elite athleticism, his integration into the rotation has felt uneven, contributing to his benching and the multiple DNPs that have made him a topic of trade speculation.

Kuminga’s situation illustrates the delicate balance teams face with young, talented players: the need to foster development while also managing expectations and team chemistry. With less than two weeks until he becomes trade-eligible, the forward’s future with Golden State is at a crossroads.

Butler’s Perspective: Brotherhood Over Business

Through it all, Butler remains unconcerned about the external narrative. His focus is on supporting Kuminga’s growth and well-being, regardless of roster decisions or trade possibilities.

“That don’t got nothing to do with me,” Butler said. “Because I’m still going to call and check in on him, still going to visit him, still go to his house, eat his food, play with his kids. His future, that’s between him and whoever else. But the bond and the brotherhood we’ve built, no future will ever change if that’s my guy.”

Butler’s commitment underscores an important lesson in professional sports: mentorship and personal connection often transcend the transactional nature of trades, contracts, and rotations. While the Warriors’ front office explores options for Kuminga, Butler is focused on cultivating confidence, stability, and perspective for the young player.

“Nope. Not at all,” Butler said when asked if the trade rumors affected Kuminga. “I tell JK, ‘You be the pro of all pros. Come here and get your work done. Smile, have a good time because you’re still an NBA player. You’re one of the best people in the world, and I’m not even talking about basketball. So you keep smiling, you keep doing what you’re doing.’”

Trade Rumors and the Road Ahead

Despite Butler’s encouragement, the trade landscape looms. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that the Warriors are “working on several angles” to move Kuminga before his trade restriction lifts on Jan. 15. The uncertainty of being in trade talks can be particularly challenging for a young player, who must balance professional performance with off-court distractions.

Kuminga’s talent and potential make him a valuable asset. At 23, he has already demonstrated elite athleticism, versatility, and defensive acumen. Teams looking to bolster their wing depth in the Western Conference will likely monitor his situation closely, potentially driving interest and trade value.

The Bigger Picture: Warriors’ Season and Mentorship Culture

Kuminga’s story is emblematic of the Warriors’ current season: a team in transition, balancing veteran leadership with the development of young talent. Players like Butler serve as stabilizing forces, providing mentorship and guidance that can influence both performance and team culture. For Kuminga, having a mentor who understands the pressures of the league—and who treats him like family—may be just as important as his minutes on the court.

In a league defined by trades, contracts, and statistics, human connection remains an essential element of success, and Butler’s unwavering support of Kuminga highlights that reality. As Golden State navigates the trade deadline, playoff positioning, and the integration of new roster pieces, the relationship between a veteran star and a young talent stands out as a rare constant in an otherwise volatile season.

Conclusion

The Jonathan Kuminga saga is far from over. With trade eligibility approaching, multiple DNPs, and a season that has seen both promise and setbacks, the forward’s future with the Warriors is uncertain. Yet one thing remains clear: Jimmy Butler’s mentorship and friendship provide a foundation of stability.

“Basketball is basketball. Brotherhood is forever,” Butler said. “No matter what happens on the court or off it, that bond is solid.”

As trade rumors swirl and the January deadline looms, Warriors fans—and NBA observers—will be watching not just the numbers on the stat sheet, but the human story unfolding behind the headlines. For Kuminga, having a veteran like Butler in his corner could make all the difference, whether in Golden State or elsewhere.