The Golden State Warriors endured a long, offseason-shifting saga with Jonathan Kuminga over the summer. The two sides finally came to an agreement, but the bad blood from last season’s issues was still present entering the 2025-26 campaign. And just one month into the regular season schedule, tensions are apparently starting to rise again.
Warriors Could Be Facing Issues With Jonathan Kuminga Again
It has already been a rollercoaster ride for the Warriors this season. They limped out to a 6-6 start while dealing with injuries and other factors, but a three game win streak that included two big victories against the San Antonio Spurs provided some optimism. Currently, they sit at 9-8 and are in 8th place in the Western Conference.
Year 5 of JK and it's still a square peg round hole situation, with most metrics pointing to the Warriors being better without him. 25ish games until a trade is possible. These leaks are annoying. Time to move on. pic.twitter.com/3Vuj5j2Z6y
— Sean Jordan (@BaySean) November 20, 2025
After a hot start, Kuminga is beginning to feel the same way that he did in 2024-25. His fit with the team was questioned throughout all of last season as his production was an up-and-down affair, and it culminated with head coach Steve Kerr keeping him on the bench for entire Golden State playoff games. Those issues are what caused the 92-day contract stalemate, which ended with Kuminga signing a two-year deal worth $48.5 million.
But there was a thought that the Warriors would look to deal him as soon as possible, which is January 15th, 2026. And that sentiment is growing.
After being a catalyst for Golden State’s hot start to the season, Kuminga has regressed in recent appearances. Through the first seven games, he was averaging 17.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, and was shooting 43.5% on three pointers.
In the six games since, is averages are down to 9.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, and he has made just 2 of 14 three point attempts (14.3%). In addition, his turnover numbers have risen, and his 2.7 per game average over the entire season is easily the worst mark of his young career.
Kuminga Benched, Feels Like Team Is Blaming Him
Kerr and the team’s coaching staff have taken notice, and Jonathan Kuminga’s role has been diminished once again. In fact, he didn’t even start in his last appearance, playing only 12 minutes and scoring 0 points off of the bench in a November 12th win over the Spurs.
Jonathan Kuminga reportedly feels the Warriors are making him the scapegoat again after being benched during their cold streak, per @anthonyVslater. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/BdzpJ78LcY
— League Alerts (@LeagueAlerts) November 20, 2025
According to a report by Anthony Slater of ESPN, sources familiar with the team believe that Kuminga is unhappy once again. He feels like the “scapegoat” for their issues, especially given his benching.
Unless the narrative changes soon, Kuminga will be a strong trade candidate when he is finally eligible. It is no secret that the Warriors are looking to maximize the waning years of Steph Curry’s career, and trading for another established star is something that is becoming a near-necessity.
Kuminga would be the team’s biggest asset and most attractive trade piece for team’s willing to listen to offers. There were multiple reports over the summer that the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings were both making calls to Golden State to try and hammer out a deal, but the Warriors never pulled the trigger. It was a nice gauge to see what the player’s value is on the trade market, though, which will likely be explored again in the coming months.
