Even after the Golden State Warriors resolved Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency conundrum, it’s fair to suggest that the two sides may still be heading for a divorce. Not a matter of if, but when.
It’s not like Kuminga hasn’t been productive for the Warriors despite the elephant in the room, but it’s hard not to see that he might be using some tricks to ensure they get rid of him once they are eligible to.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Actions Raise Speculations
The Athletic’s Nick Friedell revealed that Kuminga will miss the Warriors’ upcoming game. More than that, though, he’s being cagey about when he will return to the floor.
“Jonathan Kuminga declined to provide an update on how he’s feeling Monday,” Friedell wrote. “He missed his sixth straight game because of a knee injury. Nobody is sure when he’ll return — and his lingering status continues to hover over everything the Warriors do.”
This prompted Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor to predict that Kumina will return once the divorce is finalized between him and the Warriors.
“Translation: Jonathan Kuminga will be healthy and available as soon as he’s traded,” O’Connor wrote.
Translation: Jonathan Kuminga will be healthy and available as soon as he’s traded. https://t.co/8ejNTItGMl
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) November 25, 2025
Kuminga and the Warriors had quite the staring contest over the offseason. The sad reality about restricted free agents in situations like those is that the team has all the leverage. Even if the Warriors don’t believe in Kuminga long-term, they clearly didn’t want to lose him for nothing.
If O’Connor is right, this is Kuminga’s chance to get back at them. Holding out until he gets traded may not only grant his wish, but it also destroys his trade value, meaning the Warriors wouldn’t get much back for Kuminga if they decide to trade him.
It’s also possible that the Warriors may spite him right back by simply sending him home if this is true. They have a club option next season that they can simply decide not to pick up. However, with the Stephen Curry window closing, they can’t really afford to mess around. If a talented player like Kuminga doesn’t want to play for them, it’s definitely possible that Golden State can acquire a player who does.
Kuminga is trade eligible on January 15. While less than two months doesn’t sound like a lot of time, it can feel like it if this saga drags on and worsens from here. There actually is no way to know if Kuminga is deliberately doing this unless he confirms it, but if he does, this situation could turn even more sour from here.
