One of the key reasons for the Golden State Warriors’ recent surge up the Western Conference standings — one that has them within 1.5 games of an automatic playoff spot — is De’Anthony Melton’s resurgence. The scoring combo-guard has been in terrific form of late as the Warriors have won five of six games, including three straight.
Amid Jonathan Kuminga’s recent trade request, some Warriors fans are pointing out that Melton’s current level is perhaps what Kuminga failed to reach consistently, while others feel Kuminga hasn’t had a fair shot.
Warriors Fans Debate That De’Anthony Melton Is a Better Fit Than Kuminga After Recent Hot Stretch
Last week, Kuminga requested a trade from the Warriors, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. The tumultuous relationship between the fifth-year wing and the organization has seemingly reached its latest lowest point, following a summer-long contract standoff.
Kuminga has been out of the rotation altogether in recent weeks after some particularly poor performances as a starter in December, which led to his demotion. However, his talent, which were on full display during his impressive playoff performances last season, corroborate that there’s plenty of upside if it can be consistently unlocked.
It’s clearly best for both parties to seek a trade, as having Kuminga on the bench doesn’t do anyone any good. Therefore, a trade by the Feb. 5 deadline appears virtually certain.
Nevertheless, Melton has been in sensational form of late. He led the charge in the Warriors’ recent blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 24 points in 21 minutes while shooting 50% overall and from three-point range.
The California native has proven to be quite the microwave scorer; he also scored 23 points in 18 minutes against the Blazers, 19 points in 19 minutes against the Kings, and 22 in 25 against the Bucks thus far in January.
One Warrior fan account on social media wrote under an image of his recent points totals: “Melton is what the Warriors hoped Kuminga would be for the Dubs.”
Melton is what the Warriors hoped Kuminga would be for the Dubs.
(via @realapp) pic.twitter.com/6jQMmrsq9g
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) January 18, 2026
Underneath that post in the comments, another fan wrote that Melton’s 20+ point games feel more impactful than Kuminga’s, in their opinion, because they have been translating into wins of late.
I think Kuminga’s 20+ points games don’t translate into winning . I would rather have Melton’s 20+ games than JK’s
— Poonsuke (@0xPonsuke) January 18, 2026
Another fan wrote that he is more reliable on-ball than Kuminga, citing Melton’s superior dribbling.
A few commenters disagreed, citing Kuminga’s run of eight straight 20+ point games in early 2024.
If I’m not mistaken kuminga went on a 8 game run for having 20+ points a game
— Arachnid (@al3xw14) January 18, 2026
As fans pointed out with an image of his impressive stats, there are inconsistencies in head coach Steve Kerr’s rotations and in his preferences for some players over others.
yeah right… pic.twitter.com/uDi6AAExsA
— BPL (@ottoleghi) January 18, 2026
It shows the debate still lingers over whether Kuminga has gotten a fair shot. Nevertheless, Melton has really stepped up of late and is proving to be a valuable role player and great value while playing on a deal with $6.5 million guaranteed over two years after recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season.
Melton also has a player option of $3.45 million next season. If he keeps up his current level of play, a multi-year extension may be forthcoming that will make that option a moot point.
