The Golden State Warriors' situation with Jonathan Kuminga has been one of the more interesting storylines over the past two years. The 2023-24 season seemed like Kuminga was finally taking those steps to becoming a star for this team, averaging 16.1 points on 52.9% shooting from the field. However, it's gone downhill since then.

Kuminga's role has significantly decreased since the arrival of Jimmy Butler, and he finally came to terms on a short-term extension in October to remain in Golden State for at least one more year. Since returning from injury this season, Kuminga's role has fallen off yet again, as their remains inconsistencies in his role with the team.

The future of Kuminga in Golden State continues to remain a question, but it will become clearer once he's eligible to be traded in January. For now, he'll have to make do with his current situation. When asked about it, Warriors star Steph Curry chimed in on what he's seen with Kuminga's career with the Warriors, revealing to The Athletic's Nick Friedell.

“Really, the hardest part is, whether it’s going well or whether it’s not, (is) not losing your spirit,” Curry said. “That’s been JK’s challenge as a young player. Things change so quickly, and there’s all these declarations about who he is as a player, and does he fit, and all that type of stuff.”

Being the prized young player on a Warriors team that has seen plenty of success over the years, there was always going to be pressure for him to step up and lead this next generation in Golden State. Especially after Jordan Poole was traded away, the pressure fell on Kuminga to lead the next era.

Unfortunately, the reality appears to be that Kuminga's situation in Golden State could be beyond repair. Even though he was stellar to begin this season, he's not been given the same opportunities since he returned from injury. A similar case to last season, it's hard to imagine Kuminga will want to stay put if he considers receiving this treatment.

Kuminga is eligible to be traded on January 15th, due to him signing late in the offseason and triggering a recently signed trade restriction.

Golden State can obviously field calls and discuss trades beforehand, but they'll have less than a month from the time his restriction is lifted to trade him, with the trade deadline set for February 5th, 2026.

The Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings could very well circle back in trade conversations, as all three teams were mentioned as potential landing spots this offseason. Additionally, Golden State remains keen on New Orleans Pelicans' forward Trey Murphy, and acquiring him would mean the Warriors parting ways with some draft capital to do so.

Regardless, it seems as though a trade is far more likely than Kuminga inking another deal with Golden State in 2026.