Warriors Win Over Knicks Amid Kuminga Trade Buzz

Golden State Warriors beat the New York Knicks 112-105 on Thursday night at Chase Center in San Francisco. The win came hours after reports surfaced that forward Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade from the team, the first day he became eligible to move under his contract terms. Players and coaches said the news did not affect their play on the court.

Background

Jonathan Kuminga joined the Warriors as the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Over four seasons, he played in 276 games, starting 97 of them. His career averages stand at 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. This season, he appeared in 18 games with 13 starts, putting up 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

Kuminga started strong, taking the court for the first 12 games. Coach Steve Kerr called him a secure starter after a good opening stretch. But after three weak games, Kerr moved him to the bench on November 12 against the San Antonio Spurs. Kuminga has not played in the last 13 games. Kerr placed him at the bottom of the rotation to test other lineups that fit stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III better.

On January 2, Kuminga sat out a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with back soreness, just an hour before tipoff. Kerr had planned to give him minutes with the starters resting. Team members, including Kuminga, Kerr, and veterans, see a trade as the best path forward. The team sits in a middling spot in the Western Conference, and everyone wants change.

Summer talks for a new deal dragged on. The Warriors signed Kuminga to a two-year, $46.8 million contract with a team option on the second year. He felt pushed into it, which strained ties with management. The deal makes him tradable now, with a $24.3 million team option next season. That flexibility draws interest from other teams.

Key Details

Kuminga made his trade request on Thursday, the earliest he could under contract rules from his summer signing. The NBA trade deadline sits at February 5, giving teams three weeks to act. General manager Mike Dunleavy and the front office have checked the market for weeks.

The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks lead the interested teams. Others watch because of Kuminga's deal structure. It can serve as an expiring contract if declined, trade filler, or a bet on a 6-foot-7 wing with upside. Last playoffs, he averaged 24.3 points on 55.6% shooting in the final four games of the second-round loss to Minnesota.

Trade Talks So Far

Warriors seek expiring contracts in return. They avoid long-term deals unless the value is clear and strong. Talks with Sacramento stalled over Malik Monk's three-year, $60.4 million deal. The Warriors said no to that. Keon Ellis, on a cheap expiring contract, might sweeten a package.

Dallas interest exists, but no clear path yet. A star like Anthony Davis would not fit Golden State's goals, given his big money and extension wishes. The Warriors might add first-round picks if a top player comes available. They guard 2028 and later picks more than 2026.

No promises go out to suitors. Front office weighs waiting until summer for better returns. Rival team leaders call that a bluff, expecting a deal soon.

"I'm disappointed for him that things didn't continue to go the way they did the first couple of weeks." – Steve Kerr

In the Knicks game, Curry scored 28 points. Butler added 22. The bench stepped up without Kuminga. Kerr used a deep rotation, sticking to recent choices. Players said postgame the trade talk stayed off the court.

Kuminga sat out, watching from the bench. His agent notified the team of the demand. No public word from Kuminga yet. Kerr called the situation hard for both sides in recent days.

What This Means

The win keeps Warriors in the Western Conference playoff hunt. They sit around the play-in line, needing every victory. Moving Kuminga could free minutes for others and bring back salary relief. An expiring deal helps them stay flexible for summer moves.

For Kuminga, a new team offers a fresh start. At 23, he has time to build. Teams see him as a defender who can slash and score in bursts. His playoff showing last year reminds suitors of potential.

Deadline pressure builds. Warriors balance quick action with max value. Kings and Mavericks watch close. If no deal fits, Kuminga stays sidelined. Team sources say all sides want him gone before February 5.

Curry and Butler lead the push. Their play sets the tone. Bench depth showed up Thursday. Next games test if focus holds. Portland Trail Blazers come to Chase Center Saturday. Then Utah Jazz on Monday.

League watchers expect movement. Rivals push for Kuminga. Warriors hold firm on terms. Summer looms if deadline passes quiet. Kuminga's path stays unclear, but change feels near.