The Golden State Warriors are facing their most volatile internal crisis in years after forward Jonathan Kuminga officially demanded a trade on Thursday, January 15. The request comes immediately upon his eligibility to be moved, signaling a complete breakdown in trust between the 23-year-old rising star and the franchise. With the NBA trade deadline 2026 looming on February 5, the situation has rapidly escalated from simmering tension to an all-out divorce, with reports confirming that Kuminga's relationship with head coach Steve Kerr is now "fractured beyond repair."

Kuminga Trade Demand Rocks Golden State

The timing of the Jonathan Kuminga trade demand is no coincidence. As of January 15, 2026, Kuminga officially became eligible to be traded under the terms of the two-year, $46.8 million contract he signed this past summer. According to breaking reports from ESPN's Shams Charania, Kuminga wasted no time in making his intentions clear, formally requesting a move away from the Bay Area mere hours after the restriction lifted.

This development follows a tumultuous first half of the 2025-26 season where the former No. 7 overall pick has been completely exiled from the rotation. Kuminga has not logged a single minute in the Warriors' last 13 games, a stunning fall from grace for a player who started the first 12 games of the season. Sources indicate that Kuminga feels "betrayed" by the organization's handling of his role and views his current contract—which he reportedly felt forced into signing—as a temporary shackle he is desperate to break.

Steve Kerr Relationship at 'Breaking Point'

At the heart of the Golden State Warriors trade rumors is the toxic dynamic between player and coach. While Steve Kerr attempted to downplay the drama in a press conference on Friday, stating, "Our relationship is fine... we just keep moving forward," insiders paint a drastically different picture. The Kuminga Steve Kerr relationship has reportedly deteriorated to the point of non-existence, with communication strictly limited to professional necessities.

The friction stems from a fundamental disagreement over Kuminga's usage. Despite averaging 11.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in his 18 appearances this season, Kuminga views himself as a potential star needing on-ball reps, while Kerr has prioritized veterans and system fit, eventually burying Kuminga on the bench. "It's been described to me as fractured beyond repair," Charania reported, confirming that both sides are now motivated to find a resolution before the February deadline.

Contract Context and Stats

Understanding the financial landscape is crucial for potential suitors. Kuminga is currently earning approximately $22.5 million this season with a team option for 2026-27. This contract structure makes him a movable asset, but his recent lack of playing time has complicated his trade value. Opposing teams are wary of trading significant assets for a player who has been a healthy scratch for nearly a month, yet his upside as a 23-year-old athletic wing remains undeniable.

Potential Kuminga Trade Landing Spots

With the Jonathan Kuminga trade demand now public, several teams are expected to engage with Golden State. The Warriors are reportedly seeking expiring contracts or "win-now" veterans to support Stephen Curry's timeline, rather than future draft capital. Three teams have emerged as early frontrunners:

  • Sacramento Kings: Long-time admirers of Kuminga, the Kings have previously discussed deals involving Malik Monk, though Golden State has reportedly balked at taking on long-term money.
  • Dallas Mavericks: Looking for athletic wings to pair with Luka Doncic, Dallas could offer the expiring contracts necessary to make the money work.
  • Los Angeles Lakers: Reports suggest the Lakers have checked in on Kuminga's availability, seeing him as a potential high-upside reclamation project to inject youth into their lineup.

Countdown to NBA Trade Deadline 2026

The clock is ticking for Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. With the NBA trade deadline 2026 set for February 5, Golden State has less than three weeks to execute a deal. Keeping a disgruntled asset who is openly demanding a trade could poison the locker room atmosphere as the Warriors fight for playoff positioning. For Kuminga, a trade represents a lifeline to salvage his season and prove he is the star he believes himself to be. For the Warriors, it's a final admission that the "two timelines" plan has officially failed.