The Jonathan Kuminga experiment didn’t turn out well for the Golden State Warriors.
As talented and physically gifted as he is, he never seemed to be a part of Steve Kerr’s vision. Moreover, he’s grown distant from the organization, and he’s failed to make the most of his opportunities.
Considering that, it’s not surprising to see that he’s eager to leave the Bay Area. According to ESPN insiders Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, he requested a trade as soon as he became eligible on Jan. 15.
Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga demands a trade
“On the first day he becomes eligible to be moved, fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors,” read the report.
Kuminga has always been vocal about his frustration with the Warriors. He believes he can be a perennial All-Star in the right situation and wants an opportunity to showcase his skills. The Warriors didn’t get much traction in the trade market during the offseason, so both parties had no choice but to stay together for a little longer.
Several teams are keeping tabs on Jonathan Kuminga
Even so, that doesn’t mean there’s no interest in trading for him. Per Charania and Slater, younger teams could see him as an integral part of their potential rebuilds.
“General manager Mike Dunleavy and his front office have spent the past several weeks canvassing the market for Kuminga,” the report added. “The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are among the teams that have shown interest in Kuminga as an intriguing part of their rebuild, league sources said, but several other teams are also in the mix because of his flexible contract structure.”
Kuminga has a $24.3 million team option for next season, so whoever trades for him could essentially use him as an expiring deal if things don’t work out. Of course, that also hampers his trade value, as does his desire to leave.
Warriors might play the long game
Considering that, the Warriors may reportedly be in no rush to make a move here. Once again, they could play the long game to try to get better value for their former lottery pick.
“The Warriors’ decision-makers have also given zero assurances to any team that Kuminga will be traded prior to the deadline, despite the desires and dynamics at play, believing it could prove better business to push the decision to the summer,” the report continued. “Rival executives said they believe that stance is a bluff and Kuminga will be moved.”
Truth be told, it’s hard to believe Kuminga’s trade value can get much higher. If anything, it may just keep plummeting after all the DNP-CDs and his well-documented desire to be traded.
The Warriors are sitting at 22-19 and in the eighth spot in the Western Conference. They can’t afford to stay put at the Feb. 5 trade deadline, and beggars can’t be choosers. Stephen Curry clearly needs more help, and if trading a future star at a discount is what it takes to make one last run at a championship, so be it.
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