Jonathan Kuminga’s path to the NBA began all the way back in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to which he worked hard to become a high lottery pick. That journey has been met with hurdles before, but this latest one could have him in another team’s uniform.
On Thursday, the first day he became trade-eligible, Kuminga demanded a move, per Shams Charania, screaming out load that a fresh start is needed before the February 5 deadline.
This, coupled with sour restricted free agency negotiations over the summer, prompted him to sign a two-year, $46.8 million deal with a $24.3 million team option for next season, structured for trade flexibility.
Over four-plus seasons with the Warriors, the 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward has evolved from a raw prospect into a versatile contributor. He has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 276 games, with shooting splits of 50.2% from the field and 33.1% from three.
Entering his fifth year at age 23, Kuminga’s 2025-26 season began promisingly, starting the first 12 games and averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 24.8 minutes. However, after a hot start, struggles led to his demotion, and he hasn’t played in the last 13 games.
Kuminga’s Road to the NBA
Born in 2002, Kuminga started playing basketball at age two on makeshift courts amid regional instability. When Kuminga was 13, he immigrated alone to the United States and attended high schools like Huntington Prep and The Patrick School.
Moving to the U.S. in 2016, he earned top recruit status through high school transfers and G League play. Averaging 15.8 PPG with the G-League’s Ignite, his raw talent propelled him to the 2021 NBA Draft, where the Warriors saw him as a long-term asset.
Bypassing college, Kuminga joined the G League, showcasing explosive athleticism that led to the Golden State Warriors drafting him seventh overall in 2021. His rookie year culminated in winning an NBA title, making him the youngest player to start a playoff game since 1971 at 19 years and 213 days old.
Kuminga’s rags-to-riches tale started in Goma, where poverty and conflict shaped his early life. With limited resources, like one indoor court in the entire country of Congo at the time, he honed his skills outdoors, inspired by his father’s playing days.
Up and Downs of Kuminga’s Time with the Warriors
Joining Golden State, Kuminga contributed to the 2022 NBA Finals victory in a limited rookie role, averaging 9.3 points in 16.9 minutes across 70 games.
In the 2022-23 season, his production grew slightly to 9.9 PPG, which was followed up by a breakout 16.1 PPG on 52.9% shooting. Veterans and coaches were all very impressed by his growth, but fluctuating minutes in a deep rotation of stars like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler led to frustrating times.
By 2024-25, he was a key piece, yet the team’s playoff exit amplified questions about his fit in Steve Kerr’s system. Kerr expressed regret, saying “I’m disappointed for him that things didn’t continue to go the way they did the first couple of weeks.”
As the Warriors hover at 22-19 in a “mediocre” phase, teams like the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks have shown interest in the expiring-contract wing. This demand highlights the business of basketball, where even a rising talent must navigate role frustrations and contract realities to unlock his full potential.
Details Leading up to Kuminga’s Trade Demands
This last summer brought contentious negotiations, as Kuminga felt pressured into the $46.8 million extension, souring his relationship with Warriors management.
Starting strong this season, his playing time decreased just 12 games into the season, which moved him to the bench for 13 straight games.
Sources note agreement among Kuminga, Kerr, and veterans that trading the $22.5 million talent is best. With interest expected to come in from a few teams around the NBA, the Warriors seem like they’re going to make a deal that will benefit them greatly in the future.
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