Heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season, Jonathan Kuminga was viewed as a potential trade block candidate for the Golden State Warriors. Considering the contract drama that unfolded over the summer, many have assumed it might only be a matter of time before Kuminga and the Warriors part ways.
In the eyes of former All-Star Jeff Teague, that scenario could play out soon enough. “Time to go,” Teague said of Kuminga earlier this week. “Time to go.”
Teague’s comments came after the Warriors had Kuminga come off the bench for the first time this season. In his first 12 games, Kuminga averaged 29 minutes of playing time as a starter. However, against the San Antonio Spurs, he came off the bench for just 12 minutes in the Warriors’ 125-120 win.
Lately, Kuminga has been dealing with a setback that kept him off the court entirely on November 14 during a rematch against the Spurs. Teague and the Club 520 show seem to believe Kuminga’s role will remain limited, especially since the Warriors have won back-to-back games with him in a diminished role.
“He’s going to start at Sacramento—Sabonis is on his way,” Teague stated. “Kuminga to the Kings.”
As Kuminga and the Warriors experienced stalled contract discussions over the summer, the Sacramento Kings were frequently viewed as potential sign-and-trade partners for the forward. Eventually, Kuminga agreed to a short-term deal with Golden State, which prevents him from being traded until after the new year.
While the Kings backed off initially, they are still known to have their eyes on Kuminga. Sacramento could be an ideal landing spot for the forward.
In his 12 games as a starter this season, Kuminga has impressed by making 48 percent of his shots from the field, averaging 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Since entering the league in 2021, Kuminga has been a valuable piece for Golden State. However, it’s clear he wants a bigger role, and it remains uncertain if the Warriors can offer that given their core lineup stacked with higher-profile players.
Kuminga’s trade market won’t officially open until later in the season, but Teague is confident it will be a storyline worth monitoring. If Kuminga is moved, Teague suggests that Domantas Sabonis could be part of the equation.
Stay tuned as this developing situation unfolds over the course of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/ex-nba-player-predicts-warriors-could-land-kings-star-11054916