Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Expert explains real reason why Warriors need to wait until 15 January to trade Jonathan Kuminga

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 4:50 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors have not been convincing this season.

Despite Stephen Curry‘s return from injury, the team is stuck in a play-in spot and has lost two consecutive games.

It is becoming clear that the Golden State Warriors need a massive roster upgrade, especially after additions like Al Horford haven’t met expectations.

Young guards like Brandin Podziemski also haven’t taken the significant leap many hoped for. Moses Moody, meanwhile, remains plagued by inconsistency.

Should the Golden State Warriors trade Jonathan Kuminga for Myles Turner?

This trade would solve two big problems for the Golden State Warriors!

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Comment Like or Comment

Jonathan Kuminga’s new contract makes him only available for trade on January 15

The biggest question mark, however, is Jonathan Kuminga. The young forward has fallen out of the rotation in recent games and is widely expected to be the centerpiece of any potential trade.

However, the Warriors’ hands are tied until January 15. Although the NBA trade market unofficially opened on December 15, Kuminga is not yet eligible to be moved.

Warriors expert Tim Kawakami explained that this delay is due to the specific terms of Kuminga’s extension and the Warriors’ financial situation.

“The reason Jonathan Kuminga isn’t eligible to be traded until Jan. 15–instead of starting yesterday, when most players who signed new deals last summer became eligible—is because his contract went up 20% or more and the Warriors are over the cap,“ Kawakami wrote.

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Golden State Warriors need to find massive upgrade for Jonathan Kuminga

Just before the season began, Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract to return to Golden State.

Expectations were high that he would finally become the star the Warriors needed, but his performance has fallen far short.

He is averaging just 12.4 points per game this season, a significant drop from his 15.3 average last year.

Is Steve Kerr to blame for Jonathan Kuminga’s poor form?

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr knows he has put Jonathan Kuminga in a difficult position

Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Comment Like or Comment

Given this regression, the Warriors are actively looking for a trade . They urgently need a reliable third scorer to support Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Several high-profile names have been linked to Golden State, including New Orleans Pelicans stars Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, as well as Dallas Mavericks superstar Anthony Davis.

Whoever the target is, the Warriors must ensure that the incoming player is a definitive upgrade over Kuminga.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: