Jonathan Kuminga officially requests trade from Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga has officially requested a trade from the Golden State Warriors on his first day of trade eligibility, according to ESPN. The 6’6″ 22-year-old forward, who couldn’t be traded before Thursday due to terms of his contract signed this summer, is going through the most difficult period of his career with the Warriors.

Deteriorating relationship with staff and organization

After starting the first 12 games of the season, Kuminga experienced a series of difficulties that led to his demotion to the bench. This decision was poorly received by the 22-year-old player, creating tensions within the roster.

« I’m disappointed for him that things haven’t continued the way they did the first two weeks, » coach Steve Kerr recently stated. According to ESPN sources, all parties involved – Kuminga, Kerr and the veterans – agree that a trade before the February 5th deadline would be the best solution.

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The situation became complicated after tense contract negotiations last summer. Kuminga signed a two-year deal worth $46.8 million with a team option for the second season, an agreement he felt « forced to sign » according to sources, further deteriorating his relationship with management.

Sacramento and Dallas at the forefront

General manager Mike Dunleavy and his team are actively exploring the market for Kuminga. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are among the teams that have expressed interest in the forward, who has a $24.3 million team option for next season.

Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade away from the Warriors, per @ShamsCharania

On the first day of becoming trade-eligibile, Kuminga demanded out pic.twitter.com/qA5L4yioQh

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 15, 2026

The Warriors prefer expiring contracts in return for Kuminga and refuse to absorb long-term contracts unless they represent clear positive value. This position notably blocked discussions with Sacramento, as the Warriors refused to absorb the three years and $60.4 million remaining on Malik Monk‘s contract.

Kuminga has played only 18 of the Warriors’ 44 games this season, averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He hasn’t played in the last 13 games, officially due to back pain, although several sources question the reality of this injury.