The Warriors proved that Kuminga is ‘not a distraction’ in defeating the Knicks
SAN FRANCISCO — The loudest voices in the lower levels of the Golden State Warriors organization insist Jonathan Kuminga’s trade request and ongoing discussion about his future will not be a distraction.
“Everybody here can say with confidence that it won’t be a distraction because it’s not a distraction,” said veteran forward Draymond Green, pointing to Kuminga’s locker room.
The Warriors wind quietly. After stumbling to a 13-15 start, they have won 10 of their last 14 games and moved to 4-1 in the current series with a stunning 126-113 victory over the slumping New York Knicks on Thursday night.
But the Kuminga cloud continues to appear. League sources told ESPN that the embattled fifth-year forward submitted a trade request to the organization on Thursday, when he became officially eligible for a trade.
The club’s front office has spent the past few weeks getting a gauge on the Kuminga trade market. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are among the most interested players, league sources said.
The Warriors have prioritized expiring deals in trade talks and are motivated to move Kuminga, team sources said, but nothing appears imminent or confirmed, leaving the unemployed Kuminga to bide his time.
He has not touched the floor in 14 games, training alone and sitting on the end of the bench during games. Kuminga has not spoken to reporters for a few days but was in a happy mood when he was seen in the locker room and team area.
“It’s a very unique situation,” Stephen Curry said. “Our job is to keep playing, keep winning. It will work itself out one way or another.”
Veteran forward Jimmy Butler has been one of Kuminga’s strongest advocates since Butler arrived from Miami in a trade last February.
“We love JK in this locker room,” Butler said. “That’s not going to change. If that doesn’t happen here, we’re still moving with JK. It’s for everyone. I wish him the best. I wish him the best anywhere.”
Kuminga, like Butler in his past few NBA stops, wishes to continue his career elsewhere. When Butler was asked if he wanted the Warriors to fulfill that wish, he hit the brakes.
“Hey, hey, hey,” Butler said. “It has nothing to do with me. I want JK to be happy. At the end of the day, that’s what I want. Whatever brings him joy and happiness, that’s what I want.”
Kuminga and Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke after the shootout on Thursday morning. Kerr said he preferred to keep the conversation private, but admitted the whole ordeal was a “tough situation” for everyone involved.
Winning often eases the tension. The Warriors erased an early double-digit deficit on the Knicks and went on to win by 13 points behind 32 points from Butler and 27 from Curry.
The only postgame concern came when Curry limped into the tunnel with a sleeve on his left leg, telling ESPN he suffered a quad contusion but played through the pain. The Warriors will continue their home game on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets.
“I like where we are,” Curry said. “I love the vibes. I love the way we play.”
