Jonathan Kuminga unlikely to play again for Warriors during trade talks

There’s a general consensus in the Golden State Warriors organization that Jonathan Kuminga has played his final game in their uniform and will be traded before the February deadline, Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reports.

Kuminga has not played over the last nine games, including seven DNP-CDs during that stretch. Part of the reason why is that Kuminga’s representatives don’t want to risk him getting injured.

There’s apparently a mutual understanding between the Warriors and Kuminga’s representatives that a trade will be reached over the course of the next four weeks.

Kuminga will become eligible to be traded on Jan. 15. He signed a two-year, $46.8 million extension as a restricted free agent at the beginning of October. His cap hit is $22.5M this season, with a $24.3M team option in year two. He’ll earn a trade bonus worth about $1.7M if he’s dealt on the first day he’s eligible to be moved.

Which teams are interested in Jonathan Kuminga?

The two teams situated at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Los Angeles Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, stand out as franchises that have held a strong interest in Kuminga since the summer, according to Siegel. Another recent report named the Dallas Mavericks as a potential suitor. The Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers have also been been mentioned as having some level of interest.

The Warriors remain hopeful they can get at least one player in a Kuminga trade who can immediately impact their postseason aspirations this season. Golden State’s main goal in trade talks involving Kuminga is to find a 3-point shooting wing who can also blend with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on the defensive end, according to Siegel.

They are willing to package Kuminga’s contract with either Moses Moody or Buddy Hield to achieve that goal of getting an impact wing. Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is the type of player the Warriors are seeking, but Brooklyn reportedly isn’t interested in Kuminga.