Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed Jonathan Kuminga’s trade request for the first time on Thursday. He offered a calm but direct response as questions continued to surround their relationship.
Steve Kerr Shared His Thoughts on Jonathan Kuminga’s Trade Demand
Kerr spoke to reporters following the team’s morning shootaround on Thursday, a session in which Kuminga participated despite recent developments. The fifth-year forward formally requested a trade on January 15, according to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.
“On the first day he became eligible to be moved, fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors,” the report stated.
Kerr did not shy away from the situation but made it clear that the team plans to move forward professionally.
“It is what it is, and it’s a difficult situation for everybody,” Kerr said, per Slater’s post on X. “Part of this league and part of this job. We keep moving forward.”
When asked about any private conversations with Kuminga, Kerr declined to provide details. However, he emphasized that his role as head coach remains unchanged.
Steve Kerr kept it brief on Jonathan Kuminga. Said it’s a “difficult situation,” spoke to Kuminga this morning but preferred keep it private, expects Kuminga to remain around team without distraction. pic.twitter.com/fh7DBl3sus
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 16, 2026
“I will keep coaching him,” Kerr said. “He’ll be part of the team.”
Kerr also pushed back on the idea that Kuminga’s trade demand could disrupt the locker room or affect on-court performance.
“It won’t be a distraction,” Kerr said. “Jonathan is a great young guy, his teammates like him, and he’s handling himself well. There won’t be a distraction.”
But above all, Kerr emphasized that there’s no tension between him and Kuminga, saying, “Our relationship is fine.”
Kuminga’s Diminished Role Could Have Led To Trade Demand
Kuminga’s role with the Warriors has steadily diminished over the past month.
He has not appeared in the team’s last 13 games. His most recent appearance came on Dec. 18 against the Phoenix Suns, when he played 10 minutes and scored two points. Since then, he has either been sidelined or removed from the rotation entirely.
Despite his absence, Golden State has continued to win. The Warriors are 9-4 during the stretch without Kuminga and currently sit at 20-19 overall, placing them eighth in the Western Conference standings.
Jimmy Butler has taken on much of Kuminga’s former workload. Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II have also absorbed minutes, rotating based on matchup needs for shooting and perimeter defense.
The situation marks a sharp contrast from earlier in the season. Kuminga started 13 games and averaged 30.8 minutes per game in October, scoring 17.5 points per night. By December, his role shrank significantly. His minutes dropped to 16.7 per game, and his scoring fell to 5.8 points per game.
Kuminga’s trade request also follows a complicated offseason. The former seventh overall pick went through a lengthy restricted free agency standoff before signing a two-year, $48 million contract with Golden State. The deal was expected to stabilize his future with the franchise. Instead, it has led to uncertainty.
For now, Kerr insists the team will stay focused on basketball. Kuminga remains with the group, continues to practice, and is being treated as part of the roster.
