Warriors say Jonathan Kuminga trade demand not a distraction

The Warriors spent Thursday doing two very different things. First, they dealt with the reality that Jonathan Kuminga wants out.

Then they went out and handled business, knocking off the Knicks in a game New York played without Jalen Brunson.

Inside the building, the message afterward was consistent. No panic. No distraction.

“Jonathan’s a great young guy,” head coach Steve Kerr said, via The Athletic. “His teammates like him. He’s handling himself well. There won’t be a distraction.”

Veteran leaders echoed that sentiment. Draymond Green was blunt, saying everyone around the team understands Kuminga is not a distraction because “he is not a distraction.”

Same from Stephen Curry, who said his focus is winning and that the situation will resolve itself. Jimmy Butler went a step further, making it clear the locker room still has Kuminga’s back, regardless of what comes next.

“I want JK to be happy,” Butler said. “Whatever brings him his joy and his happiness, that’s what I want.”

This has been building for a while. Kuminga showed real promise two seasons ago, then injuries, rotation changes and a long restricted free agency process followed. He returned on a two-year deal with a team option, started the season strong, then gradually fell out of the rotation. He has not played in weeks.

Kerr insisted the relationship itself is fine, calling it a difficult situation and part of the league.

Around the league, the Kings remain involved, though their offer is lighter than last summer. The Lakers and Mavericks are also monitoring things.

The Warriors have time until February 5. They are winning games in the meantime. And as the veterans keep saying, that tends to quiet everything else.