The Golden State Warriors began Thursday with forward Jonathan Kuminga formally asking to be traded and ended the night with a 126-113 home win over New York, which played without injured point guard Jalen Brunson. After the game, head coach Steve Kerr and several long-tenured players said the 23-year-old forward’s situation is not affecting the locker room.
“Jonathan’s a great young guy. His teammates like him. He’s handling himself well. There won’t be a distraction,” Kerr told reporters, according to The Athletic.
Forward Draymond Green echoed that view, saying, “Everyone around here can confidently say it won’t be a distraction because he is not a distraction.”
Stars focused on winning
Stephen Curry, a two-time MVP, said his attention remains on “stacking wins,” adding that Kuminga’s future “will sort itself out.” Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler praised the forward’s character, remarking that teammates “love J.K.” whether he stays or is dealt. Butler declined to say whether the club should honor the trade request, stating, “I want J.K. to be happy…Whatever brings him his joy and his happiness, that’s what I want.”
Ups-and-downs for former No. 7 pick
Kuminga, drafted seventh overall in 2021, averaged 16.1 points on 52.9% shooting over 74 games in 2023-24, hinting at a breakout year. An ankle injury limited him in 2024-25, and he was left out of the rotation in key late-season and postseason contests. After a drawn-out restricted free agency, he re-signed last summer on a two-year, $46.8 million deal that contains a team option for the second season.
He opened the current campaign as a starter and drew praise from Kerr, but a knee issue and team struggles pushed him first to the bench and then out of the rotation. He has missed 14 straight games and 17 of the last 18.
Trade market and deadline
League sources identify Sacramento as a serious suitor, though the Kings reportedly are offering less than they proposed last offseason. The Lakers and Mavericks also have interest. Golden State has until Feb. 5 to complete a deal.
Green expressed confidence that Kuminga will thrive, whether in San Francisco or elsewhere. “I know how talented he is, I know how good of a teammate he is, I know how good of a person he is,” the forward said. “Usually when you have those three things going for you, it works out in the end.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
