Kuminga’s Rotational Struggles and Trade Speculation

Jonathan Kuminga, the explosive forward in his fifth NBA season, has once again found himself on the outside looking in when it comes to Golden State’s rotation under Steve Kerr. Despite signing a two-year contract ahead of the 2025-26 season, Kuminga has struggled to carve out a consistent role. He is frequently the first name dropped from the rotation when Kerr tweaks the lineup, highlighting both the depth of the Warriors’ roster and the ongoing challenges Kuminga faces in securing consistent minutes.

Head coach Steve Kerr recently elaborated on the situation:

“I’m disappointed for him that things didn’t continue to go the way they did the first couple of weeks… It was going to be tricky to start JK, Jimmy and Draymond at the two, three and four. I think anybody can see that’s a tough combination, just based on shooting… We gave that lineup several weeks, and eventually the weaknesses were exposed, and that’s why we went in a different direction.”

Kerr’s comments confirm that Kuminga’s struggles are partly tactical; spacing and shooting challenges have made it difficult for him to stick in the starting lineup alongside Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, it also underscores a larger organizational question: Is Kuminga part of the Warriors’ long-term plan?

Proposed Three-Team Trade Framework

With the NBA trade deadline approaching on Feb. 5, speculation about Kuminga’s future has intensified. ClutchPoints’ Jedd Pagaduan outlined a hypothetical three-team deal that could reshape Golden State’s roster while addressing Kuminga’s role:

Trade Breakdown:

• Warriors Receive: Michael Porter Jr. (Brooklyn Nets)

• Brooklyn Nets Receive: Zach LaVine, Devin Carter, Buddy Hield, 2026 & 2028 first-round picks, 2026 & 2027 second-round picks

• Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Terance Mann, Moses Moody

Pagaduan argues that Porter Jr. is a “perfect fit” for Golden State’s offensive ecosystem. Standing 6’10”, Porter’s combination of scoring, spacing, and versatility could help the Warriors maintain their offensive dominance while complementing Curry, Thompson, and Green. While Porter has had some defensive shortcomings, his size and experience in motion-heavy systems like Denver’s under Nikola Jokic make him a plausible upgrade for Kerr’s team.

Porter Jr.’s Performance:

• 25.9 points per game

• 7.4 rebounds

• 3.4 assists

• 49% shooting from the field

• 39.7% from three

Porter’s consistent production has made him a lock to be traded, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic, with the Nets likely looking to capitalize on a career year. The salary implications are significant—Porter is in the fourth year of a five-year, $179 million contract—making roster moves necessary to absorb his contract.

Implications for Moses Moody

This proposed trade would also involve Moses Moody, the Warriors’ fifth-year wing, moving to Sacramento. Moody has emerged as a reliable starter this season, averaging 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.6 minutes per game, while shooting 36.9% from deep. He has contributed to the Warriors winning eight of their last 12 games, but the trade highlights the harsh reality of NBA roster construction: even players solidifying a starting role can be moved if it helps acquire a higher-tier talent like Porter.

For Moody, this could mean a new opportunity in Sacramento but also the end of his time in Golden State, despite his upward trajectory. He would join Terance Mann in a Kings’ rotation looking for versatile wings, potentially giving Moody more freedom but removing him from a championship contender.

Kuminga’s Outlook

Kuminga would also be included in the move to Sacramento, along with Moses Moody. For Golden State, this is a salary and positional solution: Porter Jr. fills a starting wing/forward role while bringing elite scoring, spacing, and matchup versatility. Meanwhile, trading both Kuminga and Moody opens cap space and roster flexibility, while also addressing the Nets’ desire for multiple assets in exchange for Porter.

Kuminga, like Moody, has shown flashes of brilliance but has not yet established himself as indispensable. A move to Sacramento could give him a fresh start and more consistent playing time, something he has lacked under Kerr’s rotation-heavy management.

Why This Trade Makes Sense for Golden State

1. Upgrade in Scoring: Porter Jr. provides a more consistent offensive option than Kuminga or Moody, alleviating scoring pressure from Curry and Thompson.

2. Floor Spacing: His shooting and offensive gravity complement Golden State’s pace-and-space style.

3. Cap Flexibility: Moving Moody, Kuminga, and possibly others allows the Warriors to absorb Porter’s sizable contract.

4. Championship Window: Golden State is still in a contention window, and adding a proven scorer maximizes their chances in the playoffs.

Challenges and Considerations

• Salary Matching: Absorbing Porter’s $38+ million deal requires careful maneuvering.

• Draft Capital: Giving up multiple first- and second-round picks adds risk, especially in a draft-heavy league.

• Chemistry: Adding Porter changes the rotation dynamics, which may affect Curry, Thompson, and Green.

Conclusion

The Golden State Warriors face a pivotal decision this offseason. Jonathan Kuminga’s struggles in the rotation and Moses Moody’s emerging role create flexibility for a blockbuster move. Acquiring Michael Porter Jr. via a three-team trade could give Golden State a significant offensive upgrade, but it comes at the cost of young talent and draft capital.

For Kuminga and Moody, the trade deadline represents both uncertainty and potential opportunity: a new team, a fresh start, and more defined roles could rejuvenate their careers. For the Warriors, it’s a high-risk, high-reward gamble to maintain their status as a championship contender.