The Golden State Warriors are nearing another trade deadline with familiar noise swirling around them. This time, the focus is on Jonathan Kuminga, a former lottery pick whose role has diminished amid growing speculation about his future.
Inside the locker room, however, the message from the franchise’s leaders has been calm, direct, and unwavering.
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green Makes It Clear Where Warriors Stand on Jonathan Kuminga Situation
As the February 5 deadline approaches, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green insist the situation has not shaken the Warriors’ foundation.
When asked about the persistent trade chatter surrounding Kuminga, Stephen Curry dismissed the idea that it has become a distraction. “It’s not a distraction at all,” Curry said. “It’s a very unique situation. Our job is to keep playing, keep winning. It’ll resolve itself one way or the other.”
Curry emphasized experience. Kuminga has been part of the organization for several seasons, and the Warriors have navigated similar stretches of uncertainty before. “We’ve done it this whole time,” Curry added. “Very, very well trained in this area to just play basketball.”
Steph Curry on the persistent Jonathan Kuminga trade chatter: “It’s not a distraction at all. It’s a very unique situation. Our job is to keep playing, keep winning. It’ll resolve itself one way or the other.” pic.twitter.com/dQXD0EQqLb
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 16, 2026
Draymond Green echoed this sentiment and further praised Kuminga’s professionalism during tough times. “It won’t be a distraction because he’s not a distraction,” Green said. “The way he’s handled himself says a lot about his character.”
Kuminga’s season has been a rollercoaster. He started the year strong, playing in the first 12 games and earning accolades from head coach Steve Kerr. However, things took a downturn. Over the past month, he’s completely fallen out of the rotation, not seeing any minutes over a 12-game stretch. The situation reached a peak when he opted out of a January 2 game against Oklahoma City due to back soreness, even though Kerr had planned to use him during rest periods.
The backdrop includes contract and roster mechanics. Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal in the offseason with a team option for the second year. The structure provides flexibility, allowing the contract to function as a trade asset, an expiring deal, or a calculated bet on upside. League reporting indicates Golden State has explored the market, prioritizing expiring contracts and avoiding long-term salary unless the return is overwhelming.
Green framed the situation in a broader league context. “It’s more likely guys don’t spend 14 years in one place,” he said, referencing his own rare career path. “Sometimes things just don’t work out. That doesn’t make him any worse of a player or this organization any worse.”
On the court, Kuminga’s reduced role has coincided with modest production. He is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 43.1% from the field and 32.0% from three. These stats fall short of his career efficiency and highlight the inconsistency in his playing time.
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Still, Green believes the long view matters most. “Whether it’s here or anywhere else, it’s going to work out for him,” he said. “He works his tail off and he’s a great teammate.”
For the Warriors, the balance remains delicate. Moving Kuminga could free minutes and assets to support the veteran core built around Curry and Green. Holding him preserves depth and upside if circumstances shift. Team officials have not guaranteed a pre-deadline move, suggesting a summer decision remains viable.
As the deadline approaches, Golden State’s leadership has drawn a clear line. The chatter is coming from outside the locker room. Inside, the focus remains steady: play basketball, keep winning, and let everything else unfold in due time.
