Warriors GM Shoots Down Jonathan Kuminga’s Trade Demand With Reality Check Amid Jimmy Butler Injury

Golden State Warriors Mike Dunleavy spoke about the Jonathan Kuminga trade.

Warriors GM Shoots Down Jonathan Kuminga’s Trade Demand With Reality Check Amid Jimmy Butler Injury

Jonathan Kuminga (Image credits: FirstSportz)

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The Golden State Warriors are in a bit of a fix at the moment regarding Jonathan Kuminga‘s situation. The Warriors suffered their seventh loss at home in 24 games this season, after getting blown out 145-127 by the Toronto Raptors on the second night of a back-to-back at the Chase Arena on Tuesday night. It was a difficult night for the players and the fans.

After riding high on a four-match winning streak, it was a disappointing loss for the Dubs. The loss dropped them to 25-20 as they remain at eighth place in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors continue to surprise everyone as they improved their record to 26-19 and currently sit at fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Warriors were dealt with a major blow on Monday when Jimmy Butler was ruled out for the season after tearing his ACL against the Miami Heat. It was a huge setback for the club and pretty much closes their championship window, especially with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green at the backend of their careers.

Following Butler’s season-ending injury, there have been talks whether the Warriors will make any big moves before the trade deadline and also surrounding Jonathan Kuminga. The young forward demanded a trade away from the Warriors a few days ago. There were also reports that his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr is now irreparable.

Warriors General Manager, Mike Dunleavy, sat down for a press conference and was asked about Kuminga’s trade demand.

When you make a demand, there needs to be a demand on the market. So we’ll see where that unfolds. But always with these guys, I’m willing to work with them, that’s JK or any other player in the roster. We’re good with his wishes trying to figure that out but we gotta do what’s best for our organization.

With around two weeks to go for the trade deadline, Warriors fans will expect some moves from the front office as they try to compete for the NBA Championship this season.

Jonathan Kuminga makes his return

After 16 straight DNPs, Kuminga finally took to court on Tuesday night. If there is one player who could benefit from Butler’s absence, it is the Congolese international. Kuminga featured for 21 minutes against the Raptors and recorded 20 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Drafted as the number seven pick by the Warriors in the 2021 draft, Kuminga was touted as the future face of the franchise. Known for his athleticism and explosiveness, he was going to offer something different from what the Warriors were known for.

For all the rumors surrounding Kuminga’s and Kerr’s relationship, the head coach opened the door for Kuminga after Butler’s injury in his press conference.

Steve Kerr has no better opportunity than to unleash Jonathan Kuminga
Steve Kerr, Jonathan Kuminga (Image via 95.7 The Game/X)

He could be [part of the rotation]. He’s obviously hasn’t played in a while but at this point, we have to experiment a little bit with rotations, see where we are and he’s definitely in that conversation.

While Kuminga did put in an impressive performance, it remains to be seen if Kerr trusts the forward for the remainder of the season. Kuminga is currently averaging 12.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 19 appearances this season.

The situation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga is personal

There is no doubt that Kuminga is an impressive talent. There was a lot of drama surrounding his future in the offseason, and clubs were interested in his services. He did take a leap in the 2023-24 campaign where he played 74 games and averaged a career-high 16.1 points per game. However, everything has fallen apart since.

Several ex-NBA players have blamed Kerr for the drama that has unfolded and hurting Kuminga’s confidence by not playing him. Former player Austin Rivers said that the Kuminga situation is personal on his podcast.

This is a 20 point per game caliber player. I know this because he’s done it. He is a freak talent and athlete. How the hell can this guy not get a minute on a sorry a** Warriors team? It drives me crazy. I watch this piss poor a** Warriors team play and I’m like how the fu*k is this guy not getting off the bench.

When Kuminga was restricted to the bench for 16 games, the Warriors went 12-4 during that run, highlighting their turn in form halfway into the season. However, everything has changed now, and with Butler out, Kuminga may have his final chance to prove himself to Kerr and cement his place in the lineup.

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