Former Los Angeles Lakersplayer Isaiah Thomas sparked debate on social media by publicly demanding that theGolden State Warriors allow Jonathan Kuminga to leave.
“They are holding him hostage, let the kid develop,” the veteran wrote on X, reflecting the feeling of many analysts who believe the young forward has been trapped in a project that no longer fully trusts him.
Jimmy Butler says the Warriors are ‘mediocre’: “I think it’s the worst place to be.”
His words came just as the conflict between Kuminga and the franchise reached its most critical point in the middle of the NBA season.
The definitive break between Kuminga and the Warriors
On Thursday it was confirmed that Jonathan Kuminga formally requested a trade, the same day he became eligible to be moved after signing a two-year, $46.8 million contract with a team option for 2026-27.
That deal, closed at the end of September after tense negotiations, never managed to erase the player’s feeling of discomfort, as reports indicated that he felt practically forced to accept it.
Golden Stateselected Kuminga with the seventh pick in the 2021 Draft, and he was part of the roster that won the championship in his rookie season. His real leap came in the 2023-24 campaign, when he averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds, showing flashes of stardom. However, the following season was limited by an ankle injury and he played only 47 games, averaging 15.3 points. This year he began as a starter but was later demoted and has not played since December 18.
When Steve Kerr planned to return him to the rotation on January 2, Kuminga was ruled out with back soreness. Several people inside the team doubted the official version.
“I wouldn’t have played either, it’s clear the coach doesn’t believe in him,” a Warriors player confessed anonymously.
Despite the conflict, Golden State maintains clear demands for any operation: they are looking for short contracts that do not compromise their salary flexibility. Insiders Shams Charania and Anthony Slater pointed out that the franchise will only accept a trade that improves its immediate financial outlook, which complicates an exit. Teams like the Lakers and Kings have already shown interest, aware of the potential of a player who is asking for a new opportunity.
The Warriors sit eighth in the West with a 22-19 record and have won nine of their last 13 games without Kuminga.
