The Hawks have a chance to be fully healthy for the first time in a long stretch, as Kuminga’s status has been upgraded ahead of their matchup against the Washington Wizards. Kuminga has been dealing with a bone bruise, an injury that sidelined him shortly after the trade and delayed his integration into the lineup.

Kuminga is now listed as questionable against the Wizards, a positive sign that he is nearing a return to the floor. Last week, the Hawks noted that he was progressing well in his recovery from the bone bruise and would be reevaluated in a week, with his status then updated. The organization has remained encouraged by the forward’s steady improvement.

Kuminga was seen knocking down shots during Hawks practice, another promising indication regarding his on-court readiness. Adding Kuminga to the Hawks’ rotation could strengthen their wing depth, and his skill set may create opportunities for the rest of the roster. His ability to attack the paint and get to the rim will be key for the Hawks, whether finishing plays or finding an open teammate.

The moves the Hawks have made

The Hawks recently made a lineup adjustment, inserting CJ McCollum into the starting five alongside Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, while moving Zaccharie Risacher to the bench.

With Risacher operating as a wing, it will be worth monitoring how the Hawks distribute those bench minutes once Kuminga is fully healthy, and whether both forwards can share the court in certain lineups for the rest of the NBA season.

Kuminga numbers

For his career, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across 278 appearances with the Golden State Warriors. He last played on Jan. 22, when he scored 10 points in nine minutes during the Warriors’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a performance that came shortly before his injury absence.

Kuminga’s situation had lingered since the offseason, when no resolution was reached despite clear internal tension. His role became a sensitive issue within the roster, and head coach Steve Kerr faced a difficult balancing act between development and winning, a challenge that ultimately proved unsustainable.

Kerr finally addressed the situation publicly on ESPN, offering a candid assessment of why the relationship reached a breaking point. “He needed the runway to make more mistakes… It was very tough not being allowed to make those mistakes. For us as a staff, it was tricky trying to develop him while we were trying to win. I think it’s as simple as that.”

Kuminga’s departure became inevitable, and Buddy Hield also paid the price in the process, a loss the Warriors are expected to feel. On the other side of the deal, Golden State hoped to get Porzingis back healthy and productive for the stretch run. He had not played since Jan. 7, but team sources indicated Porzingis was expected to return shortly after joining the Warriors. Golden State sat at 27-24, eighth in the Western Conference at the time.

The other move the Warriors made

The Warriors also traded backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2026 second-round pick, sources told ESPN. The move left Quentin Post as the primary alternative at center, with veteran Al Horford also available, though his minutes were expected to be managed carefully.

The Warriors’ new plan

Golden State previously explored a potential move for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but those talks did not materialize, and the Greek Freak remained with Milwaukee. However, the Warriors were not done planning for the future and already had an offseason strategy in place.

A recent report from The Athletic’s Nick Friedell outlined Golden State’s flexibility once the summer arrived for the NBA. “The good news for Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is that roster limits are much looser in the summer,” Friedell wrote. “He could add more money in the short term in an attempt to make a deal happen.”

“Separately, if the Warriors wait until after the draft in June, they could potentially include their 2026 pick and their 2027 first-round picks to give the Bucks more assets in the short term.”

In short, Golden State appeared prepared to join the list of contenders expected to pursue Antetokounmpo in the offseason. For now, the Warriors remained focused on salvaging the current campaign, with Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis positioned as the pillars of their late-season push.

Warriors superstar Stephen Curry exited Friday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons with what initially appeared to be a knee issue, adding another name to the team’s injury report. The timing raised concerns, even with a four-day gap between games on the schedule.

During a recent press conference, Steve Kerr provided an upbeat update on the health of Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga. Addressing Curry’s condition, which was reported as patellofemoral knee syndrome, Kerr downplayed the severity. “That’s a fancy way of saying day-to-day,” Kerr explained.

Despite the positive tone, Kerr acknowledged that the coaching staff and performance team had been closely monitoring Curry’s knee. The injury had already forced the veteran guard to miss last week’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, making caution a priority as the Warriors approached the All-Star break.

Jonathan Kuminga’s status moving forward

After discussing Curry and the overall health of the roster, Steve Kerr also addressed Jonathan Kuminga’s availability ahead of the matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. The forward had remained sidelined, but signs of progress were evident.

“He’s doing better,” Kerr said. “He said he was feeling better. He got a workout in today before our practice. So, he’s improving, he’s getting closer to being able to play. I don’t know what his status will be for Tuesday.”

Jonathan Kuminga had been recovering from a bone bruise suffered on January 22 and had missed four consecutive games. The Warriors hoped Kuminga’s return would arrive sooner rather than later as they pushed through a demanding stretch of the NBA season.

The Warriors previously traded Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat in order to acquire Jimmy Butler nearly a year ago. Rumors have recently suggested that a reverse scenario could emerge. Still, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing a team source, that Golden State has not engaged and does not plan to engage Miami in discussions involving Wiggins.

Wiggins enjoyed a productive tenure with Golden State after arriving before the 2020 trade deadline and departing ahead of the 2025 deadline. During his time with the Warriors, he earned one All-Star selection and averaged 16.7 points while shooting 46.4 percent from the field across 307 appearances, establishing himself as a reliable two-way contributor.

In a hypothetical framework, the Warriors could have considered sending Butler back to Miami along with Jonathan Kuminga and future draft capital. However, that possibility now appears to be off the table as the organization reassesses its priorities following Butler’s injury and the evolving market conditions.

What the Warriors are looking for

Although the Warriors and their fan base maintain a strong appreciation for Wiggins, the premier target on the current trade market remains Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to Slater, the Golden State has expressed a willingness to assemble a substantial offer in pursuit of the former MVP, signaling the franchise’s continued ambition to compete at the highest level.

If the Warriors fail to land Antetokounmpo, there appears to be no alternative player on the market capable of generating the same level of asset commitment from the organization. Golden State has also been loosely linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. throughout the season, but team sources have consistently downplayed the seriousness of those discussions.

Meanwhile, reports from Basketball Talk and NBC Sports suggest the Warriors are viewed by some league observers as potential frontrunners in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes due to the assets they can offer. Golden State possesses up to four future first-round draft picks, resources that represent some of the NBA franchise’s most valuable long-term tools as it balances present contention with future sustainability.

With Butler sidelined, head coach Steve Kerr was forced to re-integrate Kuminga into the rotation to keep the team’s championship hopes alive. According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, the Warriors’ front office has pivoted from its original plans for the 23-year-old forward.

“Multiple team sources have described it as less likely Kuminga is moved following Jimmy Butler’s right ACL tear,” Slater reported. “Prior to that injury, Kuminga was a $22.5 million wing rotting on the bench, having not seen the floor for 16 straight games. Without Butler, he’s back in the mix, scoring 30 points in 30 bench minutes before the injury”.

While the Warriors are leaning toward keeping him, Kuminga is currently dealing with a hyperextended left knee suffered during the January 22 loss to the Mavericks. The franchise is hopeful he can return to the court quickly to prove his value before the deadline passes.

Slater further noted that internal discussions suggest Kuminga could see a significant increase in playing time after February 5—provided he remains on the roster. “There’s internal conversation that he’d get another crack at minutes post-deadline — if he’s still around. That has yet to be determined, though,” he added.

Kuminga’s injury outlook and potential return timeline

Despite Kuminga’s reported desire for a fresh start elsewhere to secure consistent playing time, circumstances may keep him in the Bay Area for the foreseeable future. He showed flashes of his potential during a recent return against the Raptors, scoring 20 points in just 21 minutes off the bench.

However, the momentum was halted during the subsequent back-to-back against Dallas, where he played just nine minutes before exiting. An MRI later revealed a bone bruise in his left knee.

Kuminga has already missed the last two games against the Timberwolves, and the Warriors have not established a clear timeline for his return. The team stated he will be monitored daily, with a re-evaluation date expected in the coming days.

The timing is a setback for both the player, who needs minutes to solidify his value, and the Warriors, who desperately need someone to step in for the injured Butler. The next nine days will be decisive in determining if Kuminga stays in the Bay Area or is moved in a last-minute deal.

Behind the scenes, the Warriors have made one thing clear: they are not interested in the Los Angeles Lakers’ reported trade package for Kuminga. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Lakers and Warriors recently held brief discussions, but talks never gained real traction.

The framework proposed by Los Angeles centers on expiring contracts rather than long-term value. The reported offer includes guard Gabe Vincent and forward Maxi Kleber, along with a 2032 second-round pick, assets that Golden State does not view as meaningful in return for a young core player.

From a salary-matching standpoint, the numbers technically work. Vincent is in the final year of his contract and is earning $11.5 million this season, while Kleber is also on an expiring deal worth roughly $11 million. Financially, the structure fits. Strategically, it does not.

Kuminga’s numbers and value

Kuminga is 23 years old and remains a high-upside piece internally for the Warriors. During the current season, he is averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field. Although his three-point percentage sits at 32.1%, his value has never been defined by perimeter shooting.

He brings elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and the ability to generate rim pressure without a play being specifically designed for him. Kuminga is also in the first year of a two-year, $46.8 million contract and is earning $22.5 million this NBA season, making him both productive and controllable.

By comparison, Kleber is 33 years old and is averaging 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 32.5% from the field and 23.5% from three-point range. Vincent, who is 29, is posting 4.7 points, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 rebounds while shooting 33.0% overall and 36.0% from deep. From Golden State’s perspective, that gap in age, production, and upside explains why discussions with Los Angeles stall quickly.

Bridges has recently been linked to the New York Knicks as part of a potential blockbuster deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as the Milwaukee Bucks, who are looking to restructure around Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic has identified another primary suitor competing with the Warriors.

“As for Hornets that might be on the move, veteran forward Miles Bridges is drawing significant interest, league sources told The Athletic,” Amick reported via ClutchPoints. “The Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns are all known to be among the interested parties, though it remains to be seen if any team can compel the Hornets to give Bridges up”.

Despite the interest, the Bucks may face a difficult path in the race for Bridges. The Hornets have reportedly made it clear they are not interested in Kyle Kuzma, who was viewed as a potential centerpiece in a Milwaukee deal. Furthermore, Amick noted that Charlotte is prioritizing draft capital in any exchange.

“Charlotte’s lack of interest in the Bucks’ Kyle Kuzma is known to be an obstacle to a potential deal between those two teams. Draft capital is also a pivotal part of the conversation. ‘They want a first (round pick), maybe two,” Amick added.

Would Bridges fit the Warriors’ scheme?

Following Butler’s injury, the Warriors are obligated to find a scoring wing to fill the void. Bridges’ production closely mirrors what Butler provided before his injury; Butler averaged 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists through 38 games, while Bridges is currently averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists through 44 appearances.

However, during a recent press conference, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. clarified Golden State’s stance on the high draft capital Charlotte is reportedly demanding.

“Our picks always will and have been in play,” Dunleavy said earlier this week. “To give up our picks, it’s got to be meaningful to get something back. There’s only so many players out there that probably warrant putting stuff like that on the table”.

It remains to be seen what the Warriors’ next move will be as they search for a Butler replacement. While a trade is high on the agenda, there is also the possibility that Jonathan Kuminga remains with the franchise beyond the trade deadline if a beneficial deal does not materialize.

One player who has been linked to the Warriors over time is DeMar DeRozan, a veteran scorer who can still create offense at will. While the idea sounds appealing on the surface, it may not represent the level of value Golden State is seeking in a potential Kuminga deal, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel.

“But the big question there is, ‘Is that really the type of value and the type of demand that if you’re Mike Dunleavy Jr. that you’re looking for in a Jonathan Kuminga trade?’” Siegel says on Sactown Sports 1140. He adds that the Warriors’ aspirations are much higher and expects them to be aggressive in pursuing a long-term target over the next two weeks.

The Warriors’ alternative option if DeRozan falls through

Despite the speculation, it does not appear that the Warriors are actively pursuing DeRozan. Instead, they are reportedly focused on a player who can contribute both immediately and in the future. According to The Athletic, that profile fits New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.

“As has been widely reported, Golden State’s strong interest in New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III most certainly remains,” The Athletic notes. The report adds that a deal ultimately depends on whether New Orleans change their stance, with similar considerations applying to Pelicans forward Herb Jones.

Mike Dunleavy Jr. appears committed to ensuring that any move benefits more than just the current season. Murphy’s skill set aligns well with the Warriors’ style of play, particularly his shooting and versatility, but the main obstacle remains the cost required to acquire him.

Ultimately, the Warriors’ primary objective is to land a player who addresses their roster deficiencies while moving on from the Kuminga situation. Realistically, Kuminga has become a persistent challenge for the front office, and any deal could also involve moving veterans such as Buddy Hield and Moses Moody as Golden State attempts to reset its direction.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that league sources expect the Warriors to explore the possibility of re-acquiring Andrew Wiggins, who was traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Butler last February.

“League sources tell The Stein Line that one avenue which will certainly be explored is the prospect of a Kuminga-for-Andrew Wiggins swap with Miami that potentially brings Wiggins back to the Bay Area after he was shipped to South Beach last February for Butler,” Stein reported.

However, Stein noted that the Warriors have not ruled out keeping Kuminga beyond the trade deadline. The front office may opt to retain the young forward in hopes of rebuilding his market value, despite a reportedly strained relationship between Kuminga and head coach Steve Kerr.

“Yet it must also be noted that the prospect of keeping Kuminga beyond the trade deadline in the hopes that playing him for the rest of the season rebuilds some of his lost value is indeed on the Warriors’ board,” Stein added.

By rehabilitating Kuminga’s value through the end of the season, Golden State could put themselves in a better position to pursue high-impact targets in the future, such as Trey Murphy III or Herbert Jones.

Can the Warriors and Kuminga coexist?

If the Warriors fail to find a beneficial deal for Kuminga, the forward will remain in the Bay Area for the duration of the season. This prospect has caused concern among the fanbase given the friction between the player and his head coach.

Insider Sam Amick recently revealed that while Kuminga and Kerr may not see eye-to-eye, they are expected to remain professional. Amick noted that the two “don’t like each other’s styles” but will continue to make the situation work for the benefit of the team.

“They make it work. I’ve talked to Jonathan about Steve, and I’ve talked to Steve about Jonathan. Do I think they hate each other? That’s a really strong word—no—but they don’t like each other’s styles,” Amick said via ClutchPoints. “I think they just gotta lock in and do the work because it’s mutually beneficial”.

League sources expect the Warriors to be aggressive ahead of the February deadline, and one name continues to surface above the rest, Michael Porter Jr. According to a recent update from the Dallas Hoops Journal, rival executives anticipate Golden State exploring multiple pathways to upgrade the roster despite earlier inactivity. Porter Jr. recently played in a win over the Chicago Bulls, signaling that trade talks remain fluid.

At this stage, the most realistic structure for a Porter Jr. deal involves a multi-team trade, with Kuminga likely being sent to a third franchise. While not the most straightforward scenario, the Warriors could still position themselves favorably if they are able to land Porter Jr. while moving Kuminga elsewhere.

Internally, the situation remains delicate. Although the Warriors express openness to keeping Kuminga. However, JK defined his future with the franchise, and the ongoing uncertainty creates visible tension inside the locker room. The unresolved dynamic becomes a distraction as the team pushes to stay competitive in a tight NBA Western Conference race.

Michael Porter Jr. as the right fit

Even without a finalized deal, Porter Jr. profiles as an ideal addition for Golden State. Historically, the Warriors thrive with high-level wings, from Harrison Barnes to Kevin Durant and Andrew Wiggins, and Porter Jr. fits that mold as a scoring forward who can stretch the floor and thrive next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Porter Jr. averages 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three, all career best marks. His elevated production raises his market value significantly, meaning a package built around Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and a first-round pick may no longer be sufficient.

Winners of two straight games and seven of their last ten, the Warriors stay afloat despite injuries, trade distractions, and mounting pressure in the Western Conference. With Curry aging and the championship window narrowing, Golden State faces a critical decision point where patience may no longer be an option.

In light of this, Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reported that the Lakers are planning to package Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent in a deal for a wing. “Here’s what I’m hearing about the Lakers. With the Lakers, the word on the street is they’re trying to package Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent together for a wing,” O’Connor reported.

This doesn’t necessarily mean the Lakers will offer Vincent and Vanderbilt to the Warriors specifically for Kuminga, though. In fact, that’s a deal where the Warriors wouldn’t benefit much, as losing Kuminga would mean giving up one of their most athletic players without receiving equal value in return from Vincent and Vanderbilt.

However, O’Connor also reported that the Lakers are looking to flip their 2032 first-round pick for multiple first-rounders to include them in a potential package with Vincent, Vanderbilt, or even Maxi Kleber. This strategy could give the Lakers a legitimate shot at pursuing elite wings like Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, or even Kuminga.

“So it seems like the Lakers are looking for two or three firsts that are worse individually than their future first, giving them more parts to put together in like Vincent plus Vanderbilt, or Vincent plus Kleber types of packages. The Lakers are definitely looking for a wing; I think they definitely have interest in Herb Jones—probably too pricey—Trey Murphy, and Kuminga maybe,” O’Connor added.

Rob Pelinka is high on Kuminga

An athletic wing is exactly what the Lakers currently need to complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James. While Rui Hachimura provides significant scoring and solid three-point shooting, he lacks the elite athletic traits that Kuminga could bring to the roster.

Furthermore, according to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is a fan of Kuminga’s game and is intrigued by the idea of adding his athleticism to the wing on a Doncic-led team.

“Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka is a fan of Kuminga’s, sources say, and likes the idea of him as an athletic wing on a Luka Doncic-led team. The Warriors have been aware of the Lakers’ likeness for Kuminga, though it’s unclear how likely an in-season move between the two teams is,” Johnson reported.