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While reports suggest that Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga wants to be traded, his GM had other things to say on the matter.
And he did so with a subtle jab.
Kuminga has been on the trade block for a while in Golden State, but it became more prevalent when he signed a two-year deal in restricted free agency designed to be added in a trade.
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Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (1) looks to pass against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter at the Chase Center on Jan. 20, 2026. (David Gonzales/Imagn Images)
But since falling out of the Warriors’ usual rotation on game nights, he has reportedly “demanded” a trade from the team.
He had this to say when a reporter asked about it on Tuesday evening.
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“I’m aware of that,” general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said. about the reports. “In terms of claims, when you make a claim, there has to be demand — in the market.”
Dunleavy suggests that while Kuminga wants to be moved, there hasn’t been mutual demand from other teams out there.
“We’ll see how it goes. But listen. Always with these guys, I tell them I’m willing to work with them, I’m willing to help people, whether it’s JK or any player on our roster. So we’re good, if that’s what he wants, to try to figure it out. But we’ve got to do what’s best for our organization, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. sits on the court during the first half of the game between the Stanford Cardinal and the CSUN Matadors at Maples Pavilion on December 27, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching as it is set for February 5th at 3 p.m. ET.
Kuminga could have been moved by then, but Dunleavy now has to think about how to improve his roster after the season-ending ACL injury to All-Star Jimmy Butler. If the Warriors still want to make a run at another NBA title for their trophy case, Dunleavy could move to fill that void.
With Butler out, Kuminga was back in the fold on Tuesday and he made the most of it with 20 points over 21 minutes off the bench against the Toronto Raptors. Toronto got the win, 145-127, over Golden State.
All things considered, Dunleavy and the front office will have to debate whether they will be buyers or sellers at the deadline. And maybe Kuminga will get more playing time up front with Butler on the sidelines.
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Chase Center on Dec. 25, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
Either way, it doesn’t appear the Warriors GM is moving quickly to accommodate Kuminga’s request.
