MINNEAPOLIS — Jonathan Kuminga’s return to the Golden State Warriors’ rotation has been abruptly interrupted. The 23-year-old forward has been officially ruled out of Saturday’s road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left knee soreness, according to the NBA’s official injury report. This setback comes at a pivotal moment for both the player and the team, as he had just rejoined the active lineup after nearly a month of being listed as a healthy scratch.
Injury Strikes During Strong Performance
Kuminga suffered the injury on Thursday night in Dallas, landing awkwardly after driving to the basket with 4:29 remaining in the second quarter. He immediately grabbed his leg and limped off the court, cutting short what had been an electric performance.
In just nine minutes of action, Kuminga had scored 10 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting, added 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, and injected much-needed energy into the Warriors’ lineup before his exit.
Steve Kerr: “It’s a Shame”
After the game, head coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration over the timing of the injury, calling it “a shame” given Kuminga’s impactful play in only his second game back.
“I just talked to him,” Kerr said. “He said he’s going to get an MRI [Friday]. It was both the knee and the ankle. We’ll see how bad it is. It’s such a shame. He was playing great, and that definitely hurt as well — not having him available for the second half.”
Kerr’s remarks highlighted how quickly Kuminga had reasserted himself following nearly a month out of the rotation due to strategic adjustments.
Early Optimism from ESPN
There was some early optimism regarding Kuminga’s condition. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that initial evaluations of his knee and ankle did not raise serious concerns.
“Neither issue is believed to be serious,” Slater wrote, citing a league source.
Kuminga told ESPN that his knee was bothering him more than his ankle and that he would monitor its response before determining if further imaging was necessary.
Productive Comeback in Wake of Butler Injury
Kuminga’s reappearance came in the aftermath of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear, a blow that forced the Warriors to reshuffle their rotation. In the two games since Butler’s injury, Kuminga totaled 30 points in 30 minutes, shooting 10-of-13 from the field, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 9-of-12 from the free-throw line, while adding six rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Despite his efficiency, Golden State lost both games. Prior to Butler’s injury, the Warriors had been on a four-game winning streak and had won six of their last seven.
Stephen Curry Applauds Kuminga’s Readiness
Warriors star Stephen Curry praised Kuminga for staying prepared despite the extended absence.
“It’s just a tribute to him just staying ready,” Curry said. “I know it’s been a while since he played, but the work that he was putting in… he looked good. He looked comfortable out there. Hopefully, he’s not out too long and can pick up where he left off.”
Trade Tensions Continue to Loom
Even as the Warriors planned to expand Kuminga’s role following Butler’s injury, uncertainty continues to surround his future with the franchise.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported this week that Kuminga remains intent on being moved ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
“Sources have told me that Kuminga has no desire to remain with the Golden State Warriors,” Haynes said Thursday on NBA on Prime. “He is very much hoping that he will be dealt by the deadline.”
Haynes added that the relationship between Kuminga and Kerr remains strained, describing it as “fractured beyond repair,” with the forward feeling “devalued” by the organization.
Kuminga’s latest setback once again places his short-term availability—and long-term future—in doubt, as the Warriors navigate injuries, mounting trade pressure, and a suddenly unstable rotation.