The Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade on Thursday, the first day he became trade eligible from the contract he signed during the offseason as a restricted free agent.
The Los Angeles Lakers, in particular, are still entertaining the idea of acquiring the former first-rounder before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Lakers Eyeing Jonathan Kuminga
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Nick Friedell, while the Lakers have “some interest” in Kuminga, “it remains unclear if talks will unfold” in the weeks ahead.
Amick and Friedell’s report on Thursday came hours after ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania said Kuminga demanded a trade away from the Warriors.
In addition to the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are among the teams eyeing Kuminga as “an intriguing part of their rebuild,” per Slater and Charania.
The Chicago Bulls reportedly are also targeting Kuminga, according to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports.
Although other teams are potential trade suitors, Johnson also wrote that Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka is a big admirer of Kuminga.
“Pelinka is a fan of Kuminga’s, sources say, and likes the idea of him as an athletic wing on a Luka Doncic-led team. The Warriors have been aware of the Lakers’ likeness for Kuminga, though it’s unclear how likely an in-season move between the two teams is.”
Kuminga Remains Out Of Warriors’ Rotation
In September, Kuminga finally agreed to a two-year, $46.8 million deal with the Warriors to end a prolonged contract stalemate. As part of the deal, he waived his inherent no-trade clause.
The club option in the second year is designed for either the Warriors or another team if and when Kuminga is traded before this season’s deadline.
After starting the first 12 games of the season, Kuminga was demoted to a bench role due to missed shots and turnovers. He was then sidelined for seven games because of bilateral knee tendonitis.
In 18 games (13 starts) this season, Kuminga is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, a career-high 2.4 turnovers, and 24.8 minutes per contest while shooting a career-low 43.1% from the field.
The 6-foot-7 wing hasn’t played since Dec. 18 at Phoenix.
