Kuminga’s Role Declines as Warriors Trade Talk Grows

Jonathan Kuminga’s role with the Warriors is shrinking, sparking trade rumors as the 23-year-old faces an uncertain future in Golden State. Once viewed as the future face of the Warriors franchise, Kuminga has been pushed back to the bench as he struggles to find a consistent rhythm and secure his place in Steve Kerr’s system. His minutes have fluctuated, his usage has dipped, and recent injuries have become a major setback. The trust he once held as a potential long-term cornerstone is slowly fading, and as his role continues to decline, trade rumors are only growing louder.

Kuminga’s Role Declines as Warriors Trade Talk Grows

Kuminga’s Role Continues to Shrink

The Kuminga situation has been one of the most concerning Warriors storylines in the modern era, largely because it affects the franchise’s future beyond the Stephen Curry window. Since making his NBA debut in 2021, Kuminga has shown flashes of star potential, and many believed this season would be the year he finally solidified his place in the starting lineup. After the first few games, he looked like the future of the Warriors’ frontcourt. However, a series of below-average performances, inconsistent stretches in Kerr’s system, and a knee injury that sidelined him for five straight games have stalled the Dubs’ momentum.

Tension around Kuminga’s role only escalated when reports emerged that he felt the Warriors were making him the scapegoat of their current cold stretch of games. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater said:

“The Warriors lost five of their next seven. Kuminga’s turnovers spiked and performance dipped. Searching for rotation answers, Kerr demoted Kuminga back to a bench role, reopening old wounds. ‘He feels like the scapegoat again,’ one team source said.”

The Warriors forward is averaging 14 points per game at this point of the season, shooting 48% from the field. While those numbers are respectable, they haven’t been enough to make a meaningful impact or ultimately secure a larger role in the rotation. Kuminga still provides the occasional highlight-reel dunk that always gets Dub Nation to their feet, but the inconsistencies remain a concern. Going from 24 points one night to six the next raises major questions and makes it very difficult for the coaching staff to rely on him each night. A possible trade feels increasingly more likely right now than ever.

Rising Pressure for a Trade

Ever since the offseason a few months ago, Kuminga had dealt with rising pressure to succeed. After contract disputes and a month-long stalemate, he eventually agreed to a two-year deal worth $48.5 million. A new contract was supposed to bring new expectations, but he struggled to meet them. It’s good to see the Warriors believing in his long-term potential, but the landscape has very much changed now. The Golden State front office now finds itself in a difficult position. The team needs players right now if they want to compete and survive in the final years of the Curry era, and Kuminga’s inconsistency makes that harder to accomplish.

Given the team’s urgency, Kuminga’s current trajectory, and the league-wide interest in him, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that he remains a Warrior once January 15th arrives.

What’s Next for Kuminga and the Warriors?

Now more than ever, every roster decision carries added weight. If the front office prioritizes immediate contention, Kuminga may become the centerpiece of a significant midseason move. But if they do choose to invest in the future, they’ll need to find a way to rebuild his confidence and the belief that he can still be the future face of the franchise. Either direction comes with a risk. And after the recent “scapegoat” reports, a new question has surfaced: does Kuminga even want to stay in Golden State anymore? If not, there will be no shortage of teams lining up to trade for him. The Dubs must now decide: keep Kuminga for the future, or move him while they still can. © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images