SAN FRANCISCO — The most vocal figures within the Golden State Warriors organization maintain that Jonathan Kuminga’s trade request and ongoing speculation regarding his future will not be a distraction.
“Everyone here can firmly say it won’t be a distraction because he is not a distraction,” veteran forward Draymond Green remarked, gesturing toward Kuminga’s locker across the room.
The Warriors are making quiet progress. After an inconsistent start of 13-15, they have claimed 10 victories in their last 14 games, including an impressive 126-113 win over the struggling New York Knicks on Thursday night, bringing their current homestand record to 4-1.
Still, the cloud of Kuminga’s situation hangs over the team. League sources informed ESPN that the troubled fifth-year forward submitted a trade demand on Thursday, coinciding with his official trade eligibility.
The front office has been evaluating Kuminga’s trade market for the past several weeks, with the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks reportedly among the most interested parties.
even if the Warriors are keen on discussing expiring contracts in trade negotiations and are motivated to move Kuminga, team sources indicate that no imminent or guaranteed deals are on the table, leaving Kuminga inactive as he waits.
He hasn’t participated in 14 games, opting for individual workouts and remaining seated at the end of the bench during games. Kuminga has not addressed reporters in several days, but has been seen in a cheerful mood when in the locker room and team facility.
“It’s a very unique situation,” Stephen Curry said. “Our focus is on playing and winning. Eventually, it will resolve itself one way or another.”
Veteran forward Jimmy Butler has emerged as one of Kuminga’s staunchest supporters since joining the team from Miami via trade last February.
“We love JK in this locker room,” Butler expressed. “That won’t change. despite he’s not here, we still support JK. I wish him the best wherever he goes.”
Like Butler has at several points in his own career, Kuminga seeks to pursue opportunities elsewhere. When asked if he wanted the Warriors to fulfill that wish for Kuminga, Butler hesitated.
“Hey, hey, hey, hey,” Butler interjected. “That’s not my decision. I want JK to be happy. At the end of the day, that’s what matters. Whatever brings him joy and happiness, that’s my wish for him.”
Kuminga had a conversation with Warriors coach Steve Kerr after Thursday morning’s shootaround. Kerr preferred to keep details private but recognized that the situation is “difficult for everyone involved.”
Winning tends to alleviate tension. The Warriors overcame an early double-digit deficit against the Knicks, ultimately securing a 13-point victory led by 32 points from Butler and 27 from Curry.
The only concern following the game was Curry’s condition as he limped around the tunnel with a sleeve on his left leg, informing ESPN that he suffered a quad contusion but managed to play through it. The Warriors continue their homestand on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets.
“I like where we are at,” Curry stated. “I like the vibes. I like how we are playing.”
