Jonathan Kuminga is back in the Golden State Warriors’ rotation amid Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear, but his desire to leave remains unchanged. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on NBA on Prime (Jan. 23, 2026): “Sources have told me that Kuminga has no desire to remain with the Golden State Warriors. He is very much hoping that he will be dealt by the Feb. 5 deadline.”
The return is necessity-driven rather than reconciliation – Haynes described Kuminga’s relationship with head coach Steve Kerr as “fractured beyond repair”. Kuminga feels unsupported by the organization throughout the saga, devalued, and sidelined. He hadn’t played since Dec. 18 before rejoining this week, enduring a long stretch of coach’s decisions (CD-DNPs) that fueled trade speculation.
Warriors planned to ramp up his minutes post-Butler injury, but the reunion hasn’t shifted his stance: he wants out.
Warriors Open to Patience – Hold Through Deadline? Rival teams believe Golden State may wait until summer if no acceptable offer arrives. This aligns with GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s recent comments: “As far as the demand, I’m aware of that… when there’s a demand, there needs to be a demand on the market.” Dunleavy expressed disappointment but emphasized the organization’s best interest: “Nothing is imminent. Things in this league can change in a heartbeat… He’s gotta be ready.”
Agent Pushes Back: “Demand Tied to Price & Minutes” Kuminga’s agent Aaron Turner fired back on X: “Demand is sensitive to price or playing time. So if a seller sees demand is low, lower the price point or let him play and demand will go.” The statement highlights frustration that Kuminga’s limited role (extended DNP-CD) may have depressed his market value.
Kings Still Interested – But Gap Persists Sacramento Kings remain a top suitor, but Warriors haven’t received hoped-for return. Early talks involved Malik Monk + protected first-round pick, but the pick was pulled after Kuminga’s DNP stretch pre-Butler injury. Golden State continues rejecting long-term salary in deals – creating a stalemate.
New Injury Complicates Everything In his second game back (123-115 loss to Dallas Mavericks), Kuminga scored 10 points in 9 minutes (3-3 FG, 4-4 FT) before awkwardly landing on a drive (4:29 Q2). He didn’t return – knee and ankle issue. Kerr postgame: “I just talked to him… He’s going to get an MRI (Friday). It was both the knee and the ankle. It’s such a shame. He was playing great.”
ESPN’s Anthony Slater: Injury not believed serious per initial tests. Kuminga limped out but said the knee bothered him more – MRI pending Friday morning. The setback is unlikely to kill trade talks but adds risk if Warriors hold him.
Bottom Line: Deadline Drama Peaks Warriors need Kuminga to cover Butler’s absence, but he wants out. No strong offers before Feb. 5? They could hold and revisit in summer. Trade requires high return (starter + picks), but the market remains “cool.”
Warriors fans, this is the biggest offseason storyline: Trade Kuminga now, hold and hope, or risk further tension? Deadline is 12 days away – anything can happen.
Skol Warriors – stay tuned!