Jonathan Kuminga’s future in Golden State is no longer being framed as a developmental pause. Around the NBA, it is being treated as a deadline situation. As the Warriors search for consistency in a tight Western Conference race, league executives believe one of their most talented young pieces is running out of time.
This is not about one bad stretch or a matchup decision. It is about direction. With Stephen Curry still playing elite basketball and the front office quietly looking for win-now upgrades, patience has become a luxury Golden State may no longer afford.
Is Jonathan Kuminga Likely to Be Moved?
Out of nowhere, Chris Haynes dropped fresh details about JK and the Warriors in a recent clip. Rival franchises are acting like he won’t be around past February’s trade cutoff. His spot on the team has gotten smaller lately. Tension behind the scenes also plays a part. Then there’s that critical contract moment due by January 15th.
NBA Insider says, “(Rival teams) do not expect Jonathan Kuminga to still be a member of the Golden State Warriors past the trade deadline. (Kuminga and Steve Kerr) just haven’t been on the same page.”
"(Rival teams) do not expect Jonathan Kuminga to still be a member of the Golden State Warriors past the trade deadline. (JK and Steve Kerr) just haven't been on the same page"
Chris Haynes gives an update on the Kuminga/Warriors situation 👀
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 27, 2025
Haynes’ report aligns with what has been visible on the court. Even though he is fit, Kuminga played in only one of the past seven Warriors games. Lately, with Golden State scrambling to remain above the playoff threshold, Steve Kerr has favored experienced players more often. In that rotation, Kuminga’s minutes have not merely decreased. They have disappeared.
Haynes added that Kuminga has held multiple meetings with Kerr, attempting to find clarity on his role. Those conversations did not lead to a reset. Instead, they highlighted a philosophical divide. Kerr is prioritizing structure, spacing, and trust as the season tightens. Kuminga’s game relies on rhythm, physicality, and on-ball opportunities.
Timing is critical. Kuminga signed a two-year extension last summer, which prevents the Warriors from trading him until January 15. Around the league, executives are closely watching that date. According to Haynes, rival teams expect Golden State to explore trade options almost immediately once the restriction lifts.
This comes as the Warriors have been linked to high-impact, win-now players in recent weeks. Any serious move of that scale requires young, controllable assets. Kuminga remains their most valuable option.
At 23, his league-wide value is still substantial. Teams in rebuild or transition view him as a player who needs more minutes than refinement. Golden State cannot guarantee those minutes at this time.
That reality has shifted expectations. Kuminga’s talent is not being questioned. His fit, at this moment, is. And once January 15 arrives, the league expects the next chapter to begin quickly.
