Warriors taking patient approach in Jonathan Kuminga trade talks

Jonathan Kuminga is still technically on the trade block. But don’t expect the Warriors to panic-sell.

According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, Golden State’s front office is not interested in making a bad deal just to satisfy Kuminga’s trade request. And in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear, multiple team sources believe Kuminga is now less likely to be moved before the February 5 deadline.

Some of that could be a leverage play. Some of it could be reality.

With Butler sidelined, the Warriors’ short-term ceiling takes a hit. That lowers the urgency to flip Kuminga in a win-now move. It also opens a clearer runway for Kuminga to play.

Coach Steve Kerr has previously acknowledged the spacing challenges of pairing Kuminga with Butler and Draymond Green. Remove Butler from the equation, and the fit becomes easier.

There is also the market. Sacramento has been viewed as Kuminga’s most persistent suitor, but Slater reports Golden State has little interest in taking back long-term money such as Malik Monk or DeMar DeRozan.

Another wrinkle is Kuminga’s knee injury. Warriors sources are optimistic he could return before the deadline, potentially giving the team a brief window to showcase him again before deciding his future.

Basically, the Warriors are listening. They just are not desperate. And right now, patience appears to be the play.