Jonathan Kuminga Returns to Warriors Rotation amid Jimmy Butler Injury, Trade Rumors

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has long been the subject of trade rumors and speculation and has demanded a trade request himself as he remains outside of the rotation, has returned to the court after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn right ACL.

Kuminga checked into Tuesday's game against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter, marking his first appearance in 16 games:

Kuminga's return to the court comes after Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters Tuesday that he "could be part of the rotation" moving forward following Butler's injury:

Kerr's comments came after ESPN's Anthony Slater reported Tuesday on NBA Today, "I've already been given indications that today they are exploring the idea of restarting the engines entering Jonathan Kuminga potentially back into the rotation."

"And from the Kuminga side, his feelings toward the organization and Steve Kerr and this situation and his long-term desires have not changed. And I use organization—key there—because it's not just a Steve Kerr thing, but I have also been given indications he is telling them that he will be ready if called upon, and I do think we're about to get another chapter of this."

Kuminga started and played 21 minutes on Dec. 6 at the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, he's only made one appearance (nine minutes on Dec. 18 at the Phoenix Suns).

Kuminga started the first 12 games of the season for the Warriors, averaging 14.9 points on 48.1 percent shooting, 6.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

However, after a 6-6 start, head coach Steve Kerr decided to make changes to the rotation and replaced Kuminga with Moses Moody in the starting lineup on Nov. 12 against the San Antonio Spurs. Kuminga has played just six games total since then.

Kuminga has been in and out of the starting lineup and rotation at various times during his five-year NBA career, which started when the Warriors selected him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 draft.

Now it seems like he could get another chance with the Warriors, although his time in Golden State could be winding down regardless. The Feb. 5 trade deadline is fast approaching, and it's long been clear that a parting of ways might be best for both sides at this point.