Warriors Trade News: Jonathan Kuminga Not Playing Fuels Trade Buzz as Jan. 15 Deadline Approaches

The Golden State Warriors kept Jonathan Kuminga on the bench in Sunday’s blowout win against the Chicago Bulls. The polarizing forward wasn’t part of the rotation even after the win was likely sealed when the Warriors took a 30-point lead with 5:55 left in the fourth quarter.

Golden State used 11 players on the night but found no room for Kuminga, despite missing Draymond Green and Al Horford. It comes after he was benched in the clutch on Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, when he shot 1 of 10 in 22 minutes and scored only four points.

Kuminga signed a two-year, $46.8 million extension in the offseason, making him ineligible for a trade until Jan. 15. It seems the Warriors might part ways with the former lottery pick after not playing him.

Kuminga hasn’t been snubbed from the rotation before this contest. The Warriors are likely to make a move amid a rough start, after hovering around the .500 mark for most of the season, and need reinforcements to contend.

Jonathan Kuminga’s $22.5 million contract this season (per Spotrac) could be ideal in making a move for a top-end role player or a bona fide star. Several teams could trade players after the Jan. 15 deadline passes, so the Warriors might already be considering their options with Kuminga.

Exploring Jonathan Kuminga's landing spots as Warriors trade buzz heats up after DNP

Jonathan Kuminga had a limited market in the offseason. The Warriors had a high asking price, leading them to turn down offers from the Kings and Suns. However, Kuminga’s value has likely tanked after an underwhelming season. With a DNP (did not play) under his belt, things could change quickly, and Golden State may look to attach assets and chase a coveted player instead.

The Suns and Pelicans could again be among potential trade partners. The Bulls are another team the Warriors might re-engage in negotiations for Kuminga. The targets for the Warriors could be Dillon Brooks and Nick Richards from the Suns, Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III from the Pelicans, and Coby White and Patrick Williams from the Bulls.

Brooks has settled well in Phoenix, but if the Suns still value Jonathan Kuminga highly, there’s a chance they offload the defensive stalwart, who has earned Draymond Green’s respect lately. Meanwhile, Richards would shore up the Warriors’ center depth.

Jones or Murphy from the Pelicans could be prime targets across the NBA. The Pelicans are looking to get younger, and Kuminga could be a start. His team-friendly deal makes him lucrative bait for New Orleans to consider.

As for the Bulls, the Warriors could use a high-scoring guard like White and a wing defender like Williams.