The NBA trade deadline is February 5, 2026, and honestly, the vibes in the Golden State Warriors locker room feel a little heavy. Jonathan Kuminga basically hit the "eject" button the second he became trade-eligible on January 15. It wasn't a secret, but seeing Shams Charania and Anthony Slater drop the report that he officially demanded a trade made it very real.
Now we're seeing the Brooklyn Nets pop up in the rumor mill, and it’s not just for a simple swap.
Look, Kuminga is 23. He’s a freak athlete. But he’s currently trapped in Steve Kerr’s doghouse, averaging about 11.8 points in a season where he was supposed to take "The Leap." Instead, he’s been racking up DNPs or playing garbage time minutes. It’s messy.
Why the Brooklyn Nets Actually Make Sense
Brooklyn is in a weird spot. They aren't exactly tanking, but they aren't winning a ring this year either. They’ve become this weird farm system for wings. Think about it: they take guys like Mikal Bridges or Cam Johnson, give them all the shots, and then flip them for a mountain of picks.
✨ Don't miss: Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Jerseys Auction: Why the Rookie Debuts Smashed Records
Kuminga fits that mold perfectly. He wants to be "The Guy," and in Brooklyn, he’d actually get the chance to put the ball on the floor.
The biggest name floating around in these Jonathan Kuminga trade rumors is Michael Porter Jr. Wait, MPJ on the Nets? Yeah, it’s been a wild season. Reports suggest the Warriors have had "brief talks" with Brooklyn about Porter. The logic is simple: the Warriors need shooting to help Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. Porter is a 6'10" flamethrower. Kuminga is a 6'7" highlight reel who can't find his rhythm in a motion offense.
But there's a catch. There's always a catch.
The money is a nightmare. MPJ is on a massive contract, while Kuminga is making roughly $22.5 million this year with a $24.3 million team option for next season. To make the math work, the Warriors would likely have to toss in Moses Moody, maybe Buddy Hield, and definitely some draft capital.
What Most People Get Wrong About Kuminga
Everyone thinks Kuminga is just "disgruntled" because he wants more money. That’s only half the story. Honestly, it’s about his identity on the court.
📖 Related: Why Every Fantasy Football Sit Start Tool Eventually Breaks Your Heart (And How to Fix It)
Steve Kerr wants Kuminga to be a "connector." He wants him to set screens, cut hard, and play lockdown defense. Basically, play like a young Draymond Green with a 40-inch vertical.
Kuminga? He wants to be Jaylen Brown. He wants isolation touches. He wants the ball in his hands at the elbow.
When you have a player who thinks he’s a star and a coach who thinks he’s a role player, you get what we have now: 13 straight games where he barely touched the floor. That’s why his trade value has taken a hit. Rival GMs aren't stupid; they know the Warriors are desperate to get something before he walks for nothing or becomes a chemistry killer.
The Sacramento and Dallas Factor
While the Nets are the "sexy" destination because of the MPJ link, the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are lurking.
- The Kings: They’ve wanted Kuminga for a year. They offered Malik Monk last summer, but the Warriors said no. Now? Monk’s value is up, and Kuminga’s is down. The irony is painful.
- The Mavericks: Imagine Kuminga catching lobs from Luka Doncic. It makes sense on paper, but Dallas doesn't have the expiring contracts Golden State wants.
The Warriors are being very specific: they don't want "bad money" back. They want players who can win right now while Steph is still Steph.
The $24 Million Question
Kuminga’s contract is a weirdly valuable asset. Because he has a team option for 2026-27, a team like the Nets can treat him as a "test drive." If he fits, they pick up the option. If he’s still struggling with basketball IQ and defensive rotations, they let him go or trade him as an expiring deal next year.
It's a low-risk, high-reward play for a rebuilding team.
For the Warriors, the clock is ticking. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is trying to play it cool, acting like they’ll just hold onto him until the summer. Rival executives think that’s a total bluff. You can't keep a guy who has publicly demanded out and isn't playing. It's bad for the locker room, especially with veterans like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler trying to squeeze one last run out of this core.
💡 You might also like: 1990 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. Explained: Why This Red Bordered Card Still Matters
What’s Next for the Warriors and Kuminga?
If you're following this, don't expect a deal tonight. These things usually go right down to the wire on February 5.
Actionable Insights for the Deadline:
- Watch the Nets' lineup: If Michael Porter Jr. suddenly sits out for "injury management," get your notifications ready.
- The "Expiring" Requirement: Any deal the Warriors make will likely involve a third team if they can't get a clean player-for-player swap. They are obsessed with keeping their cap sheet clean for 2027.
- The Moody Connection: Moses Moody is almost certainly gone in any Kuminga deal. They are tied at the hip in almost every trade simulation because of their combined salaries.
The reality? The Kuminga era in San Francisco is over. Whether he ends up in Brooklyn or Sacramento, he’s going to a place where he can finally prove if he's a star or just another "what if."
Keep an eye on the Nets' injury reports over the next 48 hours. If the trade talks between Golden State and Brooklyn heat up again, the structure will likely involve Kuminga and a first-round pick heading East.
Stay tuned to the local Bay Area beats—Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson usually get the "inner circle" scoop before the national guys. The next two weeks are going to be chaotic.
Next Steps for Fans: Check the latest salary cap tables on Spotrac to see how a $22.5M salary fits into the Nets' trade exception. You'll see why a third team like the Jazz or Bulls might need to jump in to facilitate the math.