The Golden State Warriors are moving closer to getting Jonathan Kuminga back on the floor, a development that carries significance well beyond his on-court impact. Head coach Steve Kerr offered a positive update Saturday regarding Kuminga’s recovery from a bone bruise in his left knee.
Kerr explained that Kuminga is feeling better and was able to complete a workout prior to practice.
The timing of Kuminga’s recovery is critical. The February 5 trade deadline is just days away, and Kuminga remains central to Golden State’s potential roster moves. His health could influence whether the Warriors include him in a major trade or hold onto him through the deadline.
Kuminga suffered the knee injury on January 22 against the Dallas Mavericks and has missed four consecutive games. Although a bone bruise is typically considered a minor issue, his recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated.
His absence coincides with heightened trade speculation. Earlier this month, Kuminga requested a trade after losing his rotation spot in December. Kerr later reintegrated him into the lineup following Jimmy Butler suffering a season ending ACL injury, and Kuminga responded with strong play before the knee issue halted his momentum.
According to reporting from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Kuminga’s future is one of the key situations league executives are monitoring as the deadline approaches. Both sides have acknowledged the uncertainty, with Golden State weighing its options carefully.
General manager Mike Dunleavy has stated that the Warriors will not move Kuminga unless the return justifies the cost. That stance could shift if Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Any serious pursuit of Antetokounmpo would almost certainly require Kuminga’s inclusion. At 23, he remains on a team friendly contract and fits the profile of young, controllable talent Milwaukee would likely seek in return for its franchise cornerstone.
Kuminga’s trade value is complicated by his current injury and his recent removal from the rotation. Teams interested in acquiring him want to see proof of health and consistent production. His brief stretch of strong play prior to the injury helped restore some value, but the knee issue has limited his ability to build on that progress.
If Kuminga is unable to return before the deadline, Golden State faces difficult decisions. Including an injured player in a blockbuster trade presents risk, particularly if the receiving team is hesitant to accept uncertainty. Waiting until the offseason, when Kuminga is healthy and the trade market is broader, may become the more practical option.
This season, Kuminga has appeared in 20 games, averaging 12.1 points on 45.4 percent shooting, along with 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 23.8 minutes per game. Those numbers reflect inconsistent opportunity rather than diminished ability.
When healthy, Kuminga is a reliable double digit scorer and an efficient two point threat, especially in isolation situations. While defensive inconsistencies remain part of his profile, his athleticism and scoring upside make him one of the Warriors’ most intriguing trade assets.
Golden State currently sits at 27-23 and eighth in the Western Conference, needing depth and stability to secure a playoff spot. With Butler sidelined for the season and Stephen Curry managing knee soreness after an MRI confirmed no structural damage, the Warriors can ill afford to lose productive bodies without a meaningful return.
If Antetokounmpo becomes available before February 5, Golden State is expected to engage aggressively, likely structuring a package around Kuminga, salary matching contracts, and significant draft capital. If Milwaukee opts to wait until the offseason, the Warriors may choose to retain Kuminga rather than move him for limited value.
Kerr’s optimism regarding Kuminga’s recovery provides flexibility. A return before the deadline allows Golden State to either showcase him in trade discussions or rely on his contributions for the remainder of the season.
The situation remains uneasy. Kuminga has expressed a desire for a new opportunity, while the Warriors still need his production. His injury has forced both sides into a holding pattern at a critical juncture.
Whether Kuminga is moved or remains past the deadline, his health will shape Golden State’s options. The knee injury may be minor in nature, but its timing has placed it at the center of the Warriors’ most consequential decisions of the season.
