Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga gets trade update after DNP

Billy Heyen

•
Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga gets trade update after DNP image

If the vibes had seemed good for a little while between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga, that quickly changed this weekend.

In a game the Warriors won by 32 points on Sunday, Kuminga didn't play a single second.

His playing time had been declining, but he'd played at least 12 minutes in every game of the season until that one.

Head coach Steve Kerr gave the usual coach kind of answer, that almost anyone in the rotation can see their playing time fluctuate like that.

But somehow it felt telling that in the kind of blowout Kerr could've subbed himself into to close out the final few minutes, Kuminga didn't get to touch the floor.

MORE: NBA reveals fine for Desmond Bane throwing the ball at OG Anunoby

ESPN's Shams Charania has added to the fire on Tuesday, reporting trade talks are still expected to happen involving Kuminga once he can be dealt, which is Jan. 15 after signing an offseason contract.

"The Warriors will discuss trades for forward Jonathan Kuminga when he is eligible to be moved Jan. 15, sources said, after discussions with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings in the summer failed to progress," Charania writes. "Golden State wants to find upgrades on its roster, and Kuminga's $22.5 million salary could be used in bigger trade scenarios. Kuminga, who missed just over two weeks in November because of knee tendinitis, has had fluctuating roles and performances since a strong start to the season. He was a DNP-CD in Sunday's blowout win in Chicago."

Kuminga remains an intriguing young forward, capable of scoring in bunches, which he showed in last year's playoffs once Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler got hurt.

But for whatever reason, it hasn't worked out for Kuminga in the Bay Area. Maybe, like we've seen in the NFL lately with QBs, a fresh start could allow him to reach closer to his full potential.

More NBA news:

Staff Writer