Jonathan Kuminga's Trade Value Praised by NBA Exec amid Warriors Rumors

A veteran NBA executive believes that Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga and his contract make for "one of the best trade chips in the league," per comments made to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.

The 23-year-old Kuminga, a five-year veteran, landed in Golden State after the Warriors selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

This season, Kuminga is averaging 13.8 points on 47.8 percent shooting, 6.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.7 minutes per game over 13 contests (12 starts).

Kuminga was a restricted free agent last summer. After a prolonged contract dispute, the Warriors and Kuminga agreed to a two-year, $46.8 million contract extension with a team option for 2026-27.

That contract certainly didn't represent a lengthy future in town, and it's possible Kuminga leaves before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Stein provided more insight.

"As the Warriors continue to scuffle in the face of a difficult early schedule, fading from their 4-1 start thanks to a 2-5 tailspin fueled by the extended absence of Stephen Curry, anticipation grows in various corners of the league that Kuminga will be dealt before the Feb. trade deadline.

"He's not even eligible to be moved until Jan. 15, but it's no secret that the Warriors' hardball stance all summer with Kuminga in the sides' restricted free agency saga was adopted with the intention to ensure that the 23-year-old was re-signed to a tradeable contract."

Kuminga started his first 12 games but hit the bench for his 13th, playing just 12 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 12. He hasn't played at all in the Warriors' last four games.

Kuminga has been in and out of the starting lineup in the past, and he reportedly hasn't felt great about the current situation.

"He feels like the scapegoat again," a Warriors source said to ESPN's Anthony Slater.

Slater also provided insight on the team's current beliefs.

"For the Warriors to reach their ceiling this season, there's an internal belief that Kuminga, even in a condensed role, must shake off some of his built-up resentment and get back to the impact wing from the first couple of weeks, even if the long-term benefit for both sides is more about a bump in trade value than a partnership," Slater wrote.

Given everything that has transpired, one has to strongly wonder if Kuminga's time in town will reach its end in a couple months. At this point, it seems as if a fresh start and change of scenery for Kuminga would simply be best for both sides. He certainly has the talent to reach far greater heights as a pro, but it's hard to see him realize that in Golden State at this point.