Warriors View Jonathan Kuminga as Potential Star, Trading Him ‘Virtually a No-Go,’ per Report

The Warriors’ feelings on a potential trade of Kuminga seem clear.

While Jonathan Kuminga’s frustration has seemingly escalated rapidly, the Golden State Warriors appear to have no interest in trading the 21-year-old forward. Kuminga, who “has lost faith in Steve Kerr” and no longer believes the coach will allow him to reach his full potential, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, reportedly won’t be a name popping up on the trade block anytime soon.

During an evaluation of a potential Toronto Raptors-Warriors trade involving Pascal Siakam, NBA insider Michael Grange of SportsNet reported that Golden State is unlikely to trade Kuminga, going as far as calling it “virtually a no-go.”

Still, according to multiple sources, the Warriors are loathe to trade Kuminga, who is seen as a potential star who can help them win now and in the future, the rare piece on the roster who can help Golden State both support Steph Curry in the present and transition to a successful post-Curry future, should it ever come. 

... Moving on from Kuminga, taken seventh overall in 2021, just as he seems poised to harness his undeniable talent into a breakout season, is virtually a no-go.

It’s easy to understand why this would be the case, especially when factoring in that Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are all north of 33 years old. While Curry doesn’t appear to be slowing down much, the team still needs to plan for its future after the longtime “big three” is no longer the headliner.

Kuminga, who averaged 9.3 and 9.9 points per game over his first two NBA seasons, has posted career-best marks in points (12.8), rebounds (4.1) and minutes (22.8) through 34 games this season. His shooting percentage remains north of 50%, although his shooting from beyond the arc has dropped to just 27.7% from 37% last year.