Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors appeared poised for a resolution to their longstanding mutual desire to part ways by the trade deadline, but multiple team sources told ESPN that is now less likely he is traded following the season-ending ACL tear to Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga was out of the Warriors’ rotation prior to Butler’s injury despite his $22.5 million salary. Kuminga was reinserted into the lineup following Butler’s injury and produced individual scoring before he hyperextended his left knee last Thursday.
Kuminga could return before the deadline and receive some rotation minutes before the Warriors make a decision on whether his situation will drag out until the offseason. Kuminga could remain as part of the Warriors’ regular rotation for the remainder of the season if he remains on their roster.
The Sacramento Kings have been Kuminga’s most enthusiastic suitor, but there has been no recent traction with the Warriors on a trade. Golden State is not interested in taking on the multi-year contracts of Malik Monk or DeMar DeRozan. The Warriors would prefer to take back an expiring contract back in a smaller-scale deal.