The Golden State Warriors are in a tough spot ahead of the Feb. 5, 2026 trade deadline: Jimmy Butler out for the season (ACL), Jonathan Kuminga demanding a trade after falling out of Steve Kerr’s rotation, and the team searching for immediate answers. According to NBA insider Marc Stein (after covering the Warriors’ loss to the Mavericks), Andrew Wiggins – their former teammate from 2021 until last year’s deadline trade to Miami for Butler – is emerging as a potential target to replace Kuminga.
Wiggins – Familiar Fit for Warriors Wiggins is currently with the Heat (23-22, 8th in East): averaging 15.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was a key piece in Golden State’s 2022 championship (Finals MVP runner-up), bringing defense, spacing, and wing versatility. With Butler sidelined and Kuminga wanting out, bringing Wiggins back could:
- Provide instant two-way wing help that fits Kerr’s system.
- Reduce pressure on Kuminga (if traded).
- Rekindle chemistry with Curry, Green, and the core.
Kuminga: Still Wants Out, But Injury Clouds Timeline Kuminga signed a 2-year $46.8M deal (2025-26: $22.5M, 2026-27: $24.3M club option), but his desire to leave hasn’t changed. Warriors could pick up the option and shop him in summer 2026, hoping increased playing time post-Butler boosts his value.
However, a left knee/ankle injury in Thursday’s 123-115 loss to Dallas complicates things:
- Kuminga scored 10 points in 9 minutes (3-3 FG, 4-4 FT) before exiting.
- Kerr: “Not serious, but a shame – he was playing great.”
- ESPN’s Anthony Slater: MRI Friday, knee more bothersome than ankle, initial tests not concerning.
The setback could lower short-term trade value (deadline 12 days away), pushing Golden State to hold until summer.
Overall Warriors Situation
- Team at 23-23, tied with Miami for playoff/play-in positioning in the West.
- Missing Butler (season-ending) and Kuminga (injury + trade demand) – rotation thin.
- Wiggins reunion makes sense: system familiarity, reasonable contract ($28.2M this year, $30M+ player option 2026-27), and immediate wing need.
Fan Reaction: Hopeful But Cautious The buzz is positive: “Wiggins back? Familiar face, championship pedigree – perfect fit.” But realism checks in: “Heat won’t let him go easily. Warriors need picks or youth to make it work.”
With the deadline looming, Golden State must decide: trade Kuminga now (risk low value due to injury), hold and reassess in summer, or pursue Wiggins aggressively. If Wiggins returns, it could stabilize the wing and give the Warriors a fighting chance.
Warriors Nation – is a Wiggins reunion the answer, or should they wait for summer? What would you give up for him? Drop your thoughts below! Skol Warriors!