Conflict between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga’s representatives became public again this weekend after sharp comments made by Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. concerning Kuminga’s status. Aaron Turner, Kuminga’s agent, reacted strongly on social media, challenging Dunleavy following his discussion about Kristaps Porziņģis’ recent acquisition.
Kuminga’s Agent Responds to Porziņģis Remarks by Warriors GM
During a media session after the NBA trade deadline on Saturday, Dunleavy contrasted Porziņģis’ current health with that of a departing player who had difficulty staying healthy. Although Dunleavy never explicitly named Kuminga, his comments were widely interpreted as alluding to the forward, who was injured at the time of the trade.
Nasty stuff Mike D. The master of going low, without acting like you’re going low,
Turner wrote on X, punctuated with applause and laughing emojis. — Aaron Turner, Agent
With where he’s at right now, where he’s been, we feel good about it,
Dunleavy said about Porziņģis.
On the other end of it, we’re sending out a player in a similar boat who struggled to stay on the floor.
— Mike Dunleavy Jr., Warriors GM
Warriors Trade Kuminga to Hawks After Giannis Remains with Milwaukee
The Warriors completed a deal late Wednesday night, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis. This move came after Milwaukee decisively chose to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo, cutting short trade talks focused on acquiring the star player.
Kuminga, 23, had been a key piece in Golden State’s trade discussions surrounding Giannis. When that option closed, the Warriors swiftly altered their direction, ending Kuminga’s inconsistent four-year tenure characterized by shifting roles and injury setbacks.
Atlanta Hawks Provide Update on Kuminga’s Knee Injury
After acquiring Kuminga, the Hawks reported on his left knee condition. The forward suffered a bone bruise on his left knee during a game against Dallas on January 22 while still with Golden State.
Forward Jonathan Kuminga, who sustained a left knee bone bruise while playing for Golden State at Dallas on Jan. 22, will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break and an update will be provided at that time,
the Hawks stated. — Atlanta Hawks
Kuminga had missed six consecutive games before the trade due to this injury.
Inconsistent Playing Time and Injuries Mark Kuminga’s Final Months with Warriors
The lead-up to the trade was turbulent for Kuminga, who experienced irregular court time and frequent health issues. The former seventh overall pick suffered a series of game absences as coaches limited his playing minutes throughout December and January. A brief return to the rotation happened after Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler was sidelined by an ACL tear in mid-January, but Kuminga’s own knee injury soon followed, disrupting any momentum ahead of the trade deadline.
Previous Public Disagreements Between Agent and GM Signaled Impending Split
The recent confrontation was not isolated; earlier in the season, Turner and Dunleavy exchanged candid statements in the public sphere. After Kuminga requested a trade in January, Dunleavy acknowledged the situation but emphasized that a trade would depend on market demand for the player.
As far as the demand, I’m aware of that,
Dunleavy said on January 20.
In terms of demands, when there’s a demand, there needs to be a demand on the market. So we’ll see how that unfolds.
I’m disappointed it hasn’t worked out better,
Dunleavy added.
But it is what it is. I know a trade has been requested. But nothing is imminent.
Turner directly contested the idea that Kuminga lacked market interest.
Demand is sensitive to price or playing time,
Turner fired back on X.
So if a seller sees demand is low, lower the price point or let him play and demand will go.
— Aaron Turner, Agent
Contract Negotiations Revealed Earlier Strains Ahead of Trade
Underlying tensions stretched back beyond the trade deadline to the offseason, when Kuminga’s representatives and the Warriors engaged in difficult contract talks. These negotiations became public before finally agreeing on a two-year, $48.5 million contract with a team option, a deal regarded in the league as structured to allow for potential future trades.
This contract ultimately paved the way for Kuminga’s exit, closing a chapter that mixed early promise with ongoing questions about fit and consistency within the Warriors’ system. As Golden State now shifts its focus toward Porziņģis and rebuilding its frontcourt, Turner’s recent reactions highlight that the split with Kuminga involved personal tensions and remains a volatile topic, not a straightforward transaction.
Nasty stuff Mike D. The Master of going low, without acting like your going low. 👏 😂
— Aaron Turner (@arockturner20) February 8, 2026
Mike Dunleavy on Kristaps Porzingis’ availability: “With where he’s at right now, where he’s been, we feel good about it. On the other end of it, we’re sending out a player in a similar boat who struggled to stay on the floor.” pic.twitter.com/TrEnMoBKVw
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 8, 2026
BREAKING: The Golden State Warriors are trading Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eqNWwCupEZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
An @emoryhealthcare injury update:
Jonathan Kuminga, who sustained a left knee bone bruise while playing for Golden State at Dallas on Jan. 22, will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break and an update will be provided at that time. pic.twitter.com/ocCz28QKDb
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 7, 2026
Demand is sensitive to price or playing time, So if a seller sees demand is low, lower the price point or let him play and demand will go ⬆️#IUEconomicsMajor #Nationalchamps @mcuban @VicOladipo pic.twitter.com/41B72xzf3V
— Aaron Turner (@arockturner20) January 21, 2026
