Kuminga’s Trade Eligibility and Current Market
Jonathan Kuminga, the 23-year-old forward for the Golden State Warriors, will officially become eligible for a trade on January 15, 2026. This comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his role in the Warriors’ rotation. Since December 20, Kuminga has largely been absent from the lineup, playing only once in the team’s last 13 games.
The lack of playing time has naturally impacted his perceived value. Teams that were linked to him earlier in the season, such as the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, appeared to cool off as his minutes evaporated. However, recent reports indicate the market for Kuminga is “warming,” with multiple teams beginning to express renewed interest. The Kings, in particular, remain fond of the young forward, even after a recent loss to Golden State highlighted the mismatch in talent between the squads.
As a 23-year-old with a team option for the next season, Kuminga still carries significant trade value. He combines youth, athletic upside, and a controlled contract, which makes him one of Golden State’s most attractive trade assets. The Warriors are motivated to capitalize on this window of interest before it fades, especially since Kuminga has provided minimal value on the court over the past month.
Why Kuminga Is Not Playing
Head coach Steve Kerr recently addressed Kuminga’s absence, explaining that it stems from both tactical and roster-management reasons:
“I’m disappointed for him that things didn’t continue to go the way they did the first couple of weeks. At the same time, it was going to be tricky to start JK, Jimmy [Butler] and Draymond [Green] at the two, three and four. I think anybody can see that’s a tough combination, just based on shooting.”
Kerr’s comments illustrate a key challenge for Kuminga: while his potential is undeniable, fit and spacing in the lineup have limited his opportunities. The Warriors’ frontcourt and wing rotation—anchored by Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—creates constraints for a young forward who is still refining his offensive and defensive consistency.
Golden State’s Trade Targets
Golden State is reportedly looking to improve their roster in several ways, with a priority on size and floor spacing. The Warriors initially targeted Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans, but the Pelicans are no longer interested in moving Murphy, along with other key players such as Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Jeremiah Fears, and Derrick Queen.
With Murphy off the table, the Warriors are now considering Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets, though reports indicate that the Nets are reluctant to trade him this season. Porter, however, remains a high-upside target given his scoring ability, length, and fit within Golden State’s motion-based offensive system.
Other potential trade targets mentioned by analysts include:
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John Collins – big-bodied forward, reliable scorer
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Anfernee Simons – sharpshooting guard
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Miles Bridges – versatile wing
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De’Andre Hunter – defensive-minded forward
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Jerami Grant – athletic forward with scoring and defensive upside
Former All-Stars could also be considered if Golden State is willing to exchange assets and absorb contracts:
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Khris Middleton – seasoned shooter and playmaker
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Jarrett Allen – interior defender and rim protector
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DeMar DeRozan – scoring wing with midrange mastery
Strategic Considerations for the Warriors
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Maximizing Kuminga’s Value: Kuminga’s age and potential make him a prime trade chip, especially for teams looking for long-term upside. Waiting too long risks his value declining further as his on-court absence continues.
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Roster Flexibility: Trading Kuminga (and potentially Moses Moody) would free up minutes, salary, and positional flexibility, allowing Golden State to target a player like Porter Jr. or a comparable wing/forward.
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Addressing Size and Floor Spacing: A recurring critique of Golden State has been a lack of size, which opponents have exploited. Acquiring a taller, versatile forward could mitigate this issue and complement the small-ball core of Curry, Thompson, and Green.
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Cap Management: Any incoming player with a significant salary, like Porter Jr., would require moving current contracts. Kuminga’s manageable $11.6 million deal is ideal in this regard, as he can help balance salaries while still providing value to the receiving team.
Potential Impact of a Trade
If Golden State executes a trade involving Kuminga:
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For Kuminga: He would likely receive a fresh start and increased playing time elsewhere, allowing him to continue developing without the constraints of Golden State’s crowded rotation.
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For Golden State: Acquiring a player like Michael Porter Jr., or even a strong role player with size, would upgrade the lineup immediately and provide a potential offensive spark.
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On Team Dynamics: Moving a young talent such as Kuminga signals the Warriors’ commitment to winning now, emphasizing readiness over potential.
Conclusion
Jonathan Kuminga’s trade eligibility on January 15 marks a pivotal moment for both him and the Golden State Warriors. While his lack of playing time has temporarily suppressed his market, renewed interest from multiple teams—including the Sacramento Kings—suggests that the Warriors can still leverage his potential.
Golden State’s challenge is twofold: they need to capitalize on the warming trade market before Kuminga’s value dips further, while simultaneously targeting a player who addresses the team’s size and spacing weaknesses. Michael Porter Jr. remains the high-upside target, though the Warriors have alternatives ranging from role players to former All-Stars.
Ultimately, Kuminga’s fate may be the defining offseason move for the Warriors, determining whether the team bolsters its championship window or invests further in developing young assets. With the trade deadline looming on February 5, all eyes will be on Golden State to see if they can make the right move for both immediate and long-term success.
