Warriors could shop Jonathan Kuminga once trade window opens

The Warriors are expected to put forward Jonathan Kuminga on the trade market once he becomes eligible on Jan. 15, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Golden State drew a hard line during negotiations — insisting the final year of any deal be a team option and that Kuminga waive his One-Year Bird trade veto — and the relationship has grown strained after months of back-and-forth.

Once he’s eligible, the Warriors plan to gauge the market for the 22-year-old ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Multiple teams, including the Kings, Bulls and Suns, already expressed interest this summer. Sacramento reportedly offered Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick, but Golden State passed.

Kuminga eventually signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal with a team option in Year 2, giving the front office maximum flexibility to either renegotiate next summer — or deal him.

Of course, it’s still early October. A lot can and likely will change before Jan. 15.

If Kuminga finally locks down a consistent role under Steve Kerr, trade chatter could quiet. If not, expect his name to dominate trade season once again.

Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 games last season, flashing upside but never fully breaking through in Kerr’s rotation.