The Jonathan Kuminga era in San Francisco is effectively over. After years of “will they, won’t they” rotations and inconsistent minutes, the news finally broke on January 15: JK has officially demanded a trade.
As someone who has watched almost every Warriors game over the last few seasons, I can tell you the vibe around the team has shifted. The tension between Kuminga and Steve Kerr isn’t just “growing”—it’s reached a breaking point. Seeing a 23-year-old talent like Kuminga sit on the bench for 13 straight games while the team searches for a consistent identity is tough to watch.
The baseline for any deal here is simple: Golden State needs a win-now veteran to maximize Steph Curry’s remaining years, and Kuminga needs a home where his athleticism is a feature, not a secondary thought.
The Top 3 Landing Spots for JK
1. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have been the most aggressive suitor, and I believe this is the most logical fit for both sides. Sacramento needs a defensive spark and more “pop” at the wing position.
• Why it works: Kuminga’s ability to run the floor and finish at the rim fits the Kings’ high-octane offense perfectly.
• The Trade Chip: Keon Ellis and draft capital. The Warriors have long been intrigued by Ellis as a defensive “sweetener.”
• My Take: I can see Kuminga flourishing in a system where he doesn’t have to overthink the “motion” offense and can just play downhill.
2. Dallas Mavericks
Reports have confirmed that the Mavs are sniffing around. Pair Kuminga with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, and you suddenly have a terrifying transition game.
• Why it works: Dallas needs size and youth. Kuminga provides a defensive versatility they currently lack in the frontcourt.
• The Trade Chip: Potential names like P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford have been floated.
• My Take: I think Kuminga in Dallas would be a lob threat unlike anything Cooper has had since early-career Dwight Powell, but with much higher defensive upside.
3. Brooklyn Nets (The MPJ Connection)
This is the “home run” swing for the Warriors. The rumors have linked Golden State to Michael Porter Jr., who is having a career year in Brooklyn.
• Why it works: A multi-team deal could send Kuminga to a rebuilding situation where he is the #1 option, while the Warriors get an elite shooter.
• The Trade Chip: Kuminga, Moses Moody, and salary fillers.
• My Take: If I’m Mike Dunleavy Jr., this is the phone call I’m making every single day.
The Contract Factor
One thing I have to point out is Kuminga’s unique contract. He’s currently on a two-year, $48.5 milliondeal, but the second year (2026-27) is a team option.
This makes him incredibly valuable. A team can trade for him now, see if he fits their culture, and if it doesn’t work, they aren’t tied to him long-term. It’s essentially a low-risk, high-reward “tryout” for an All-Star ceiling player.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear the relationship is “fractured beyond repair.” Kuminga is a 20-point-per-game scorer waiting to happen in the right system. I truly believe he’s going to make the Warriors regret this move in three years, but for the 2026 season, a divorce is the only way forward.
