A Jonathan Kuminga trade is only a matter of time.
While Kerr and Kuminga have insisted that their relationship isn’t damaged, there’s no question that there appears to be a disconnect between the two parties.
Add in the fact that the NBA champion forward hasn’t improved his game, and the writing is on the wall for the Dubs to part ways with him later this season.
Although Kuminga won’t be trade-eligible until Jan. 15, the franchise received good news on a potential deal involving Kuminga on Monday.
“Honestly, it’s going to be a couple of weeks before he’s ultimately traded, but I know the Sacramento Kings are still interested,” ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported.
“They (Kings) threw (Malik) Monk at it and a first (round pick), but I don’t think that first will be available anymore. But now if Kuminga’s at a number like $24 million, where perhaps they could get a better player, or will probably have to involve a bigger-name player than before because of that number, and that will help the Warriors out.”
If Spears’ report holds any merit, the Dubs are inching closer to ending Kuminga’s tenure in the Bay once and for all.
The Kings are clearly infatuated with Kuminga’s upside and natural athletic ability, which should help jumpstart a trade.
Could Kuminga play his way back into the Kerr and the Warriors’ good side before mid-January? Possibly, but it’s unlikely given that the former lottery pick looks like the same player he was entering the year: a high-energy/explosive vertical athlete who hasn't developed a perimeter jumper.
Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season, shooting 43.8% from the field and 32.0% from three-point land.
Expected the 23-year-old to be involved in trade rumors from here on out.
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