Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga plans may change after Jimmy Butler injury

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 5:43 PM ET

As fate would have it, Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors cannot seem to quit each other, no matter how badly each side wants to.

In an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today” Tuesday, Anthony Slater reported that the Warriors appear ready to insert Kuminga back into the rotation following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear on Monday.

Kuminga’s feelings toward the Warriors have not changed, but he has conveyed to the franchise that he is ready to step in and play as needed.

“I’ve already been given indications that today they are exploring the idea of restarting the engines and entering Jonathan Kuminga potentially back into the rotation,” Slater said.

NBA Today hit on the aftermath of the Jimmy Butler ACL tear.

The Warriors front office is just beginning to assess how it alters trade deadline plans.

Also: Cover your ears, Brian Windhorst. This could spark another chapter in the Jonathan Kuminga saga. pic.twitter.com/QUxlBBPzBD
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 20, 2026

A Kuminga trade appeared to be a certainty up until Butler’s injury. He demanded a trade last week as soon as he became eligible to be moved, having clashed with Steve Kerr and failed to consistently crack the team’s rotation despite some strong statistical performances. Without Butler, however, the Warriors’ best chance to stay competitive this season might be to roll the dice on Kuminga once again.

Kuminga has averaged 11.8 points per game this season in 18 appearances. He has not appeared in a game since Dec. 18 and was likely to remain out of the rotation until the Butler injury happened.

The Warriors have climbed back to 25-19 in what was supposed to be one of their last runs at another title with Steph Curry. With Butler out for the season, those championship hopes suddenly look to be a longshot.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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