Jonathan Kuminga, Sam Merrill Among Players Who Become Trade-Eligible Thursday
kuminga-merrill-trade-eligible
The first key checkpoint in Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga drama arrives Thursday, when the forward’s new contract allows the Warriors to move him without his approval.
Kuminga, 21, signed a two-year, $46.5 million deal in October and waived his one-year Bird rights, clearing the way for a possible trade. He is earning $22.5 million this season, and his agreement carries a $24.3 million team option for 2026-27.
The former lottery pick opened the season as a starter, logging the first 12 games in the lineup. Since then, his role has all but vanished: he has recorded multiple DNPs and has not played more than 10 minutes in any game since Dec. 18 against the Clippers.
Golden State can attach up to four first-round selections in any deal for Kuminga, but because the club is above the first tax apron it cannot take back more salary than it sends out.
Additional Players Gaining Trade Eligibility
ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that nine other players also come off the trade-restriction list Thursday:
- Sam Merrill
- Davion Mitchell
- Paul Reed
- Ryan Rollins
- Isaiah Jackson
- Tre Mann
- Naz Reid
- Quentin Grimes
- Santi Aldama
- Josh Giddey
Kuminga remains the most prominent name to watch, but teams now have a wider pool of newly movable contracts as the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches.
Source: Hoops Wire
