Despite ongoing struggles, the Golden State Warriors remain centered on potential moves before the NBA trade deadline on February 5. Their primary goal involves acquiring Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, a deal that would likely require sending Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga to Milwaukee. The Warriors are actively pursuing a Jonathan Kuminga trade deadline plan as part of this strategy.
However, the Warriors have limited control over this primary scenario. While they have submitted an offer, the decision rests largely with the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, both of whom have shown inconsistent commitment to Milwaukee’s future. The Bucks’ stance on trading Antetokounmpo alternates between outright refusal and openness, leaving Golden State in a holding pattern.
Warriors Pursue Trade Alternatives for Kuminga
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Antetokounmpo deal, the Warriors are preparing a backup plan focused on trading Jonathan Kuminga. His strong desire to be traded aligns with the team’s intent to find a buyer before the deadline. Injuries to key players like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler have caused some hesitation recently, but the Warriors remain intent on moving Kuminga if a suitable offer emerges.
An Eastern Conference executive remarked,
“Absolutely, they’re still listening on him and there’s still a market for him.”
The executive added,
“They’re poised for it. There have been teams who have kicked the tires. But this could be something that just finally comes together (on Thursday) because it is not the priority today or last week. But you get to the last few hours before the deadline, and there’s nothing else happening for you, all the sudden, Jonathan Kuminga is now your priority.”
Keeping Kuminga is a Last-Resort Option for the Warriors
If no trade materializes, the Warriors will retain Kuminga and reintegrate him into their rotation, a strategy that Coach Steve Kerr acknowledges is not ideal. Kuminga’s playing style has posed challenges fitting alongside key players such as Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, complicating lineup decisions. Butler’s recent ACL injury has reshaped the team’s approach.
Coach Kerr explained on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco,
“With Jimmy’s injury it changes everything for us, and for JK, and it was good to have him back in the lineup and in the rotation. Now that Jimmy is out, we’ll see what happens with the trade deadline. But if nothing happens, JK is right back in the rotation and we keep moving forward.”
Potential Teams Interested in Jonathan Kuminga
Several franchises have surfaced as possible destinations for Jonathan Kuminga. The Miami Heat reportedly show interest, though the Warriors are reportedly uninterested in reclaiming Andrew Wiggins as part of any deal. Other teams linked to the trade radar include the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and Brooklyn Nets. It is also possible that Kuminga could be traded to a less obvious destination as the deadline nears.
The Eastern Conference executive cautioned,
“It’s a long 24 hours before the deadline and you just don’t know when something comes out of nowhere,”
adding,
“But you’ve got to be ready for it, and they are.”
Implications of the Trade Deadline Moves for the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors face a critical period as the deadline approaches, with the Jonathan Kuminga trade deadline growing increasingly pressing. Securing Giannis Antetokounmpo remains an uncertain prospect, and the team must remain flexible by pursuing alternative outcomes. Trading Kuminga could offer the Warriors additional assets or cap flexibility needed to improve their roster for the remainder of the season.
Should the primary trade fail, holding onto Kuminga may complicate rotations but provides a platform to reevaluate his fit and future trade value. Meanwhile, interest from teams like Miami, Dallas, and Chicago suggests multiple avenues remain open. The final hours before the deadline could produce unexpected shifts, making readiness essential for Golden State’s front office.
"With Jimmy's injury, it changes everything for us and for JK. We'll see what happens with the deadline, but if nothing happens, JK's right back in the rotation…The door is wide open for him now. I hope we get him back."
– Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga (via @WillardAndDibs). pic.twitter.com/VehGYpXcYe
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 3, 2026
